RABY, a township, joint with Keverstone, in the parish
of STAINDROP, south-western division of DARLINGTON
ward, county palatine of DURHAM, 6 miles (N.E.
by E.) from Barnard-Castle, containing 203 inhabitants.
Raby castle, situated on an eminence commanding a
vast prospect, is a noble and extensive pile, surrounded
with ramparts and a deep fosse, enclosing an area of
two acres; from its stately exterior, which retains
most of its original appearance, . a good idea may be
formed of the grandeur of a baronial mansion in ancient
times; the style of the south front, with the elegant
symmetry of its windows, have at once a pleasing
and sublime effect; the interior has been much modernised,
and comprises numerous convenient apartments,
furnished with  great elegance. A carriage-road now
passes over the site of the great hall, or ancient place
of rendezvous, which was a truly magnificent apartment,
having two rows of octagonal piers and a beautiful
groined roof.