CROFT, a parish partly within the liberty of ST-PETER-of-YORK,
East riding, but chiefly in the eastern
division of the wapentake of GILLING, North
riding, of the county of YORK, comprising the townships
of Croft, Dalton upon Tees, and part of Stapleton,
the remaining portion of the last being in
the parish of St. John Stanwick, and containing 647
inhabitants, of which number, 367 are in the. township
of Croft, 3 miles (S.) from Darlington. The
living is a rectory, in the archdeaconry of Richmond,
and diocese of Chester, rated in the king's books at
£12. 8. 4;, and in the. patronage of the Crown. The
church, dedicated to St. Peter, exhibits specimens of
the various styles of English architecture. The village
is situated on the banks of the Tees, half a mile .to
the west of which is a sulphureous mineral spring, the
water of which is used both for drinking and bathing:
commodious baths were fitted up about fifteen years ago.
Certain lands are held in this place by the owner presenting
on the bridge, at the coming of every new
bishop of Durham, an old sword, pronouncing a legendary
address, and delivering the sword to the bishop,
who returns it immediately. A charity school, in which
twenty-five children are instructed^ is supported by a
small bequest from Lady Crew, and by voluntary contributions,
the whole amounting to about £25 per annum.