HAWTHORN, a township in the parish of EASINGTON,
southern division of EASINGTON ward, county palatine
of DURHAM, 10 miles (E. by N.) from Durham,
containing 140 inhabitants. The village is situated
about one mile from the German ocean, on a dangerous
rocky shore, broken into deep caverns. A small stream
runs through the glen, and forms, at its junction with
the ocean, a creek, on the southern side of which is an
eminence called Beacon Hill, where fires were formerly
lighted to warn mariners from the rocks. On the northern
side of the creek is a bay, called Hawthorn Hive,
formed by a projecting rock, termed the Skaw, and
capable of being converted into a secure harbour. On
the 5th of November, 1824, nearly fifty vessels were
wrecked within a short distance of the Hive, and the
crews of all, except one, perished. A school for eight
children -was endowed, in 1738, by Robert Forster, of
this place; the number has been increased to twelve;
the master's fixed salary is £12. 12. per annum, and he
has a rent-free residence.