BIRTLEY, a township in that part of the parish of CHESTER-le-STREET which is in the middle division of CHESTER ward, county palatine of DURHAM, 5 miles (S. by E.) from Gateshead, containing 1386 inhabitants, many of whom are employed in the coal mines in the vicinity. There is a place of worship for Roman Car tholics. A brine-spring exists in the township, from which salt is made.