RAVENSWORTH, 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,
4 miles (S. S. W.) from Gateshead, containing 161 inhabitants,
who are chiefly employed in the adjacent
coal mines. The total rebuilding of the castle commenced
in 1808, after .a design by Nash; the work is
constructed of excellent white freestone, raised near
the spot, and when finished will be a most imposing
edifice in the ancient baronial style. In the neighbourhood
is a cross, to which, during the prevalence
of the plague at Newcastle, in 1645, the country people
brought their market goods for sale. Ravensworth
gives the title of baron to the family of Liddel.