MUGGLESWICK, a parish in the district and county of Durham; on the river Derwent, at the boundary with Northumberland, 3 miles WNW of Cold-Rowley r. station, and 8 ½ N by W of Wolsingham. Post-town, Consett, under Gateshead. Acres, 7,098. Real property, £1,647. Pop. in 1851, 688; in 1861, 788. Houses, 157. The property is divided among a few. The manor belongs to the Dean and Chapter of Durham. An ancient hunting-seat of the priors of Durham stood here, in the valley of the Derwent; and a picturesque fragment of it still exists. A park, 3 miles long, and 2 miles wide, was enclosed, in the 13th century, by Prior Hugh. An extensive upland tract, in the S and the SW, bears the name of Muggleswick Common. Lead ore, containing some silver, is plentiful. All the lead mines within 12 miles of Muggleswick church were granted for 21 years, by Charles I., to the Duke of Buckingham. The southeastern border of the parish is traversed by the Stanhope railway, and shares in the mining industry of the Consett region. The living is a p. curacy in the diocese of Durham. Value, £300. Patrons, the Dean and Chapter of Durham. The church was rebuilt in 1728, and is substantial. There are chapels for Baptists and Wesleyans, and a parochial school.
Source: The Imperial Gazetteer of England & Wales [Wilson, John M]. A. Fullarton & Co. N. d. c. [1870-72].
