Blanchland

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National Gazetteer (1868) - Blanchland

"BLANCHLAND, (or Shotley High Quarter), a parish in Tynedale ward, in the county of Northumberland, 10 miles to the S. of Hexham. It is situated on the confines of the county of Northumberland next Durham, on the river Derwent, not far from its source. This place was the site of an abbey, founded in the latter part of the 12th century by Walter de Bolbec, for canons of the Premonstratensian order. Its abbot was called to one of the parliaments held in the reign of Edward I. The revenue of the abbey at the period of the Dissolution was £44 9s. The estate came subsequently into the possession of the Bishop of Durham, Lord Crewe, who made it part of the endowment of the munificent charities which he founded. The inhabitants are principally employed in the extensive lead mines which have long been worked here. The living is a perpetual curacy in the diocese of Durham, of the value of £198, in the patronage of Lord Crewe's trustees. The present church is part of the old abbey, and was made good for use in the year 1752. The gatehouse and some other parts of the abbey are still standing. They are situated in a narrow valley in the midst of moors. There is a free school for boys, endowed with £50 a year, and one for girls.