STAMFORDHAM, a parish (formerly a market
town) in the north-eastern division of TINDALE ward,
county of NORTHUMBERLAND, 12 miles (W. N. W.)
from Newcastle upon Tyne, comprising the chapelry of
Ryall, and the townships of Bitchfield, Blackheddon,
Cheeseburn-Grange, Fenwick, Hawkwell, Heugh, Ingoe,
Kearsley, East Matfen, West Matfen, Nesbit, Ouston,
and Walridge, and containing 1827 inhabitants. The
living is a vicarage, in the archdeaconry of Northumberland,
and diocese of Durham, rated in the king's
books at £14. 18. 1., and in the patronage of the
Crown. The church is dedicated to St. Mary. There
is a place of worship for Presbyterians. Lime and coal
abounds within the parish. The market has fallen into
disuse, but the market cross, erected by Sir John Swinburne,
Bart., in 1735, is still standing. Fairs, for the
sale of cattle, pigs, &c., are held on the second Thursday
in April, and on the 14th of August, if on Thursday, if
not, on the Thursday following; there are also statute
fairs for hiring servants, on the Thursdays before Old
May-day and November 14th, and on the last Thursday
in February. A free school was founded, in 1663, by
Sir Thomas Widdrington, Knt., who endowed it with
property now producing about £ 220 per annum.