WEARDALE, or ST-JOHN'S-CHAPEL (ST-JOHN),
a market-town and chapelry in the parish
of STANHOPE, north-western division of DARLINGTON
ward, county palatine of DURHAM, 6 miles (W. N.W.)
from Stanhope. The population is returned with the
parish. The living is a perpetual curacy, in the archdeaconry
and diocese of Durham, endowed with £ 400
private benefaction, and £1800 parliamentary grant,
and in the patronage of the Rector of Stanhope. The
chapel, which is a handsome structure, was rebuilt at
the expense of the late Sir William Blackett, Bart.,
aided by a bequest of £50 from Dr. Hartweu. Dr.
Shute Barrington, the late Bishop of Durham, also
erected another chapel, which is presented to by the
rector; and, about the same time, a National school.
There are places of worship for Independents and
Primitive and Wesleyan Methodists. Weardale is a
small thriving town, situated in the Vale of Wear,
through which runs the river of that name; its chief
support is derived from the neighbouring lead mines.
A customary market, on Saturday, has been established
for more than a century: the market cross was erected
at the expense of the late Sir Ralph Milbank, Bart.,
some time member for the county.