RYTON, a parish in the western division of CHESTER ward, county palatine of DURHAM, comprising the townships of Chopwell, Crawcrook, Ryton, Ryton- Woodside, Stella, and Winlaton, and containing 5763 inhabitants, of which number, 445 are in the township of Ryton, 8 miles (W. by N.) from Gateshead. The living is a rectory, in the archdeaconry and diocese of Durham, rated in the king's books at £42. 10. 10., and in the patronage of the Bishop of Durham. The church, dedicated to the Holy Cross, is principally in the early style of English architecture, with a tower surmounted by a lofty spire; in the chancel are some ancient oaken stalls and screen-work, carved in open tracery. Near the northern wall of the churchyard is a large barrow planted with trees, which does not appear to have been opened; but in a similar one at Bradley Hall the remains of a human body were discovered a few years ago. There arc two places of worship for Methodists. This parish, which is bounded on the north by the Tyne, and on the east and south by the river Derwent, contains some very extensive works for the preparation of iron and steel, coal and ironstone being obtained here in abundance: there are also quarries of limestone. The village is well built, and in the neighbourhood are many neat villas. The petty sessions for the division are held here on the first Monday in every month; and a statute fair for hiring servants takes place twice a year, in May and November. Ryton savings bank was the first established in England. The school, built in 1791, is supported by subscriptions, and an endowment of £5 per annum by Lord Crewe's trustees. Ryton has frequently suffered from the incursions of the Scots, particularly in 1297, when the village was reduced to ashes by Wallace, who at that time occupied Hcxham. Here is a spring, the water of which is impregnated with sulphur.