WASHINGTON, a parish in the eastern division of
CHESTER ward, county palatine of DURHAM, comprising
the townships of Barmston, Great and Little Usworth,
and Washington, and containing 2687 inhabitants, of
which number, 1243 are in the township of Washington,
5 miles (S.E.) from Gateshead. The living is a rectory,
in the archdeaconry and diocese of Durham, rated in
the king's books at £18, and in the patronage of the
Bishop of Durham. The church has lately received an
addition of one hundred free sittings, the Incorporated
Society for the enlargement of churches and chapels
having granted £40 towards defraying the expense.
There is a place of worship for Wesleyan Methodists.
The parish abounds with coal, and there are considerable
cast-iron and rope works. A charity school was
founded, in 1814, by the late Mrs. Peareth; and another
subsequently, by the Rev. J. Davison, late rector.