The Universal British Directory , published
in five volumes during the 1790s, lists the leading inhabitants
and tradespeople of towns and villages across Britain. The entry
for Sunderland, which appears in volume iv of the directory,
was evidently written during 1795 or 1796, as it notes that
the building of the first Wearmouth bridge was then in progress.
The directory entry begins with a brief history and
description of the thriving town, emphasising the importance
of its coal trade. Inhabitants are then listed alphabetically,
starting with gentry, clergy, medical men and lawyers. There
was also a good number of port officials based at the Customs
House and Excise Office. It is clear from the range of occupations
in the main list that many inhabitants worked in or around shipping
- as coal-fitters (coal shippers), boat-builders, or chandlers,
for example - or in the supply of services or provisions. Keelmen
themselves, though very numerous, were too far down the social
scale to be listed in the directory.
Sunderland borough or township, created a parish in
its own right only in 1719, had by this time far outgrown the
much older parishes of Bishopwearmouth, out of which it had
been carved, and Monkwearmouth, on the north bank of the Wear.
These two old settlements are described in the directory as
having become little more than suburbs of Sunderland, which
was extending westwards at such a rate that it would soon merge
with the built-up area of Bishopwearmouth. Monkwearmouth, connected
to the south bank by several ferries, was somewhat isolated
before the bridge was completed. Many of its inhabitants were
engaged in ship-building or repairing, or making sails, blocks
or ropes for shipping.
The text and lists below have been reproduced as closely
as possible to the original. Where (F.) is noted after a name,
it denotes that the person was a freeman of the borough as an
owner of freehold property there.
________________________
P. Barfoot & J. Wilkes, Universal
British Dir., iv (1795-8?)
p. 510
S U N D E R L A N D, Durham.
SUNDER LAND is a sea-port town, situate on the south bank of
the river Wear, near the sea-coast; at high water the German
Ocean almost surrounds it. It is in 54° 55' north latitude,
and 1° West longitude, from London, from whence it is distant
two hundred and seventy miles. The tide flows on Sunderland
bar, at the highest springs, to sixteen feet water, admitting
ships of three or four hundred tons burthen ; but in going to
sea, large ships are frequently obliged to lie in the roads
before the town to take in part of their cargoes, (generally
consisting of coals;) so that it is sometimes very dangerous
for the keel men that bring down the coals, who are often lost
in venturing off to the ships, which are generally smaller than
those of Newcastle; but then they have this advantage of the
Newcastle men, that, in case of a contrary wind, particularly
at north-east, which, though fair when at sea, yet suffers not
the ships at Newcastle to get out of the Tyne, the ships at
Sunderland, riding in the open sea,
p. 511
are ready to sail as soon as they have got their lading; so
that it has been known they have gone away and delivered their
coals at London, and got back again, before the ships at Shields,
which were laden when they departed, were able to get over the
bar. As to the Sunderland coal, it is observed to burn slowly,
to have much pyrites with it, and that it turns to a heavy reddish
cinder, which appears, by the loadstone, to be iron ore.
The antiquity of Sunderland is involved in much obscurity,
it being situate so near Bishop Wearmouth, and being included
in that parish till 1719, when it was made a distinct parish
; so that it is probable whatever might relate to it may have
been included in annals of the former place. The Bishop of Durham
is lord of the manor of Sunderland, by whose representation
a court leet and baron is held once a year for the recovery
of all debts not exceeding forty shillings; and a meeting of
justices is held here every Friday.
Here is a very handsome church, dedicated to the Holy Trinity;
a chapel, dedicated to St. John ; and six meeting-houses for
Protestant dissenters of different denominations. The late rector
of Sunderland, the reverend and worthy Mr. Daniel Newcome, was
the principal architect in the building of the church. This
gentleman spent the greatest part of his income in beautifying
and adorning it. He began by building a dome, adjoining to the
east end, into which he removed the altar, placing it under
a canopy of inlaid work, supported in front by two fluted pillars
of the Corinthian order, with proper capitals. His benevolence
and charity were equally extensive to all who were proper objects
of them, and he delighted in doing good. This worthy man, however,
lived not to see his new works to the church quite completed,
dying, very much lamented, on the 5th of January, 1738.
The High-street, which is the principal one, is about a mile
long, from west to east, and from twenty to thirty yards broad
; the Low street is of a good length, very narrow, and runs
parallel with the High-street. Besides these, there are several
lanes between the two streets, and several streets which run
south from the south side of the High-street. Sunderland is
a borough, but sends no members to parliament.
This place and the two Wearmouths are computed to contain near
thirty thousand inhabitants. This great number of people is
supplied with all kinds of provisions from a very plentiful
market, held here every Friday. Here are also two fairs, held
on the 12th and 13th of May, and on the 12th and 13th of October;
but they are of little consequence, the principal commodities
being toys. The inhabitants are well supplied with good water
; probably not a sea-port town in the island can boast a greater
plenty.
The trade and shipping of this port are become very considerable.
Coal is the staple commodity, which is principally sent coastwise
to the out-ports, and to France, Holland, &,c. few of the
Sunderland ships trading to London. A great revenue arises from
its exports, and its coal-trade is a capital nursery for seamen
; and in time of war generally furnishes a very liberal quota
for the manning his majesty's fleet. In the neighbourhood is
constantly employed about twelve colliers, which produce 280,000
chaldrons of coals, Newcastle measure; which keep employed 532
keels, of twenty-one tons burthen, in which the coals are conveyed
from the staiths to the ships at Sunderland. The other exports
are glass and glass bottles, salt, lime, grind stones, and copperas.
The imports are corn, flour, wines, spirituous liquors, timber,
tar, deals, flax, iron, &c.
Their foreign trade is chiefly confined to France, Holland,
and the several ports in the Baltic. Four or five ships are
yearly sent to the Greenland seas. Two ships are constantly
employed in bringing merchant goods from Bell's and Red Lion
wharfs, London, to the wharf of Messrs. Thornhill and Hay, New
Quay, Sunderland. The number of ships cleared outwards in the
year 1790, amounts to 5600, viz. 4905 coastwise, and 705 over-sea.
There are at present employed in the neighbourhood of Sunderland
two glass-houses, three potteries for brown and white ware,
and two copperas-houses; the products of which are sent to most
parts of the world.
p. 512
Here are several insurance-offices for insuring of ships, houses,
and merchandise. -Also a public bank, the proprietors of which
are, Messrs. Russell, Allan, and Wade; they draw on Messrs.
Hankeys and Co. London.
A common stage-waggon on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays,
to Newcastle-on-Tyne; returns the same nights : Thomas Douglas,
proprietor. - A waggon from Durham on Wednesday and Friday ;
returns the same days: Robert Davidson, proprietor. - Also a
waggon from Stockton, every Thursday : John Corner, proprietor.-
The following are the principal inhabitants
GENTRY &C
Cummins Thomas, Gent. (F.)
Ettrick William, Esq.
Grey Joseph, Gent.
Hancill Andrew, Gent (F.)
Hill Chritlopher, Esq.
Hopton John, Gent. (F.)
Jackson Ralph, Gent. (F.)
Moss Gilbert, Gent. (F.)
Robinson William, Esq. Silksworth
Walker Robert, Gent. (F.)
CLERGY.
Balie Rev. John, Dissenting Minister
Barley Rev. John, Curate
Clegg Rev. Wm. Dissenting Minister
Hampton Rev. John, Curate of St. John's Chapel
Mason Rev. Thomas, Dissenting Minister
Smyth Rev. James, Rector
Somerville Rev. John, Dissenting Minister
PHYSIC
Akenhead David, (F.) Surgeon
Atkinson George, Surgeon
Barnes William, (F.) Surgeon
Cheesement Robert, Surgeon
Cuthbert Robert, Surgeon
Debello Lewis; Surgeon Oculist
Eden William, (F.) Surgeon
Ferguson William, (F.) Surgeon
Gregson Raine, (F.) Surgeon
Hassall William, Surgeon
Hervey John, Surgeon
Huestley and Eastland, Chemists
Ogden Bernard, (F.) Chemist
Scott Adam, M. D.
Wilkinson George, (F.) Surgeon
Watson John, Surgeon
LAW.
Bailey Thomas,(F) Attorney
Boyd George, (F.) Attorney
Charlton William, ( F ) Attorney, and Coroner for the Chester
Ward
Downey James, (F.) Attorney
Ridsdale John, Attorney
Wright James, (F.) Attorney
TRADERS, &C.
Aiskell Edward, (F.) Coal-fitter
Allan George, (F.) Grocer
Allison Gilbert, Watchmaker
Almond Thomas, (F.) Sailmaker
Arlott Thomas, (F,) Watchmaker and Parish-clerk
Armstrong William, Hair-dresser
Armstrong William, Shoemaker
Atkinson Edward, (F.) Earthenware dealer
Atkinson Edward, (F.) Grocer
Atlas Thomas, Draper
Barker Matthew, Butcher
Barker Jacob, (F.) Butcher
Barnes John, (F.) Grocer
Barron Henry, (F.) Leather-seller
Bell Robert, (F.) Leather-seller
Bell Edward, Grocer
Bewick Robert, (F.) Ironmonger
Bird Richard, Ropemaker
Biss Robert, (F.) Coal-fitter
Blacker Thomas, (F.) Butcher
Blakiston Robert, (F.) Coal-fitter
Booth Samuel, Gunmaker
Bowder Thomas, joiner, &c.
Bowmaker John, (F.) Miller
Brass John, (F.) Shoemaker
Breese Robert, Baker
Brown Thomas, (F.) Sailmaker
Brown George, (F.) Boat-builder
Brown Wm. Victualler, (Coach & Six)
Budle and Co. (F.) Brewers and Flour-manufacturers.
Burnett Robert, Mercer and Draper
Busby Threkeld; Mercer and Draper
Butler and Harrison, Glaziers and Painters
Carsree George, Limner
Carr Francis, Victualler
Carr Thomas, (F.) Grocer & Chandler
Carr and Horne; Coal--fitters
Carr Thomas, (F) Auctioneer and Victualler
Carr M. and E. Milliners
Carr George, (F.) Slopseller
Carter John, (F.) Shoemaker
Cav Christopher John, Mercer and Draper
Chapman and Brown, Brewers
Cheesement Elizabeth, Slopseller
p. 513
Cheesement John, Sailmaker
Chilton Farrow, Coal fitter
Chilton Nicholas, Coal-fitter
Chrisp, John, Butcher
Cockerill Isaac, (F.) Ropemaker
Collin Ann, Spirit-dealer
Collin John, Butcher
Cooper Edward, Clog & Patten Maker
Cummin, Thomas, Earthenware-dealer
Davidson, John, (F.) Coal-fitter
Dobson, John, Spirit-dealer
Dobson, Heath, Butcher
Donkin, George, Ironmonger
Donnison, Wm. Victualler (Fountain)
Douglas Thomas, (F.) Newcastle Carrier and Victualler (Anchor)
Dowell and Renwick, Cabinet-makers
Downey, Thomas, Painter and Glazier
Dyches Samuel, (F.) Sail-cloth Manufacturer
Easterby George, Sailmaker
Eggleston Jane, Grocer
Eilley Benjamin, Blockmaker
English, Mrs, Victualler (Half-moon) I
Fairlamb Robert, Hatmaker
Fearney John, Painter
Featherstonhaugh and Co. Coal-fitters
Fenwick and Pringle, Cabinet-makers
Friend William, Ironmonger
Fowler and Robinson, Coal-fitters
Gill Robert, Stationer
Gill Thomas, (F) Weaver
Gowan William, Tobacconist
Gowland Clement, Watchmaker
Graham James, (F.) Printer &c
Graydon Edward, Spirit-dealer
Grecian William, (F.) joiner
Gutterson Walton, (F.) Whitesmith
Haddock William, (F.) Ironmonger
Haddock Thomas, Grocer
Hall John, (F.) Cooper
Hall John, Keeper of the Poor-house
Handey Lewis , Linen-draper
Hardcastle Mary, Milliner
Hardcastle William, (F.) Grocer
Hardcastle John and Thomas, (F.) Boat-builders
Harelock William, Coal-fitter
Harrison Lancelot, Ship-chandler
Harrison John, Sailmaker
Harrison Jeremiah, Sailmaker
Haswell John, Blockmaker
Hay William, (F ) Wharfinger and Commission-broker
Haytor Thomas and Son, Coal-fitters
Henderson Jacob, (F.) Sail-cloth Manufacturer
Henderson Thomas, Spirit-dealer
Hewitson William, Tanner
Hewitt John, (F.) Cabinet-maker
Hewitt Samuel, Insurance-broker
Hill and Kirkley, (F.) Sailmakers
Hills Ralph, (F.) Watchmaker
Hodgson Ralph, Post-master
Hodgson Rt. Chandler and Wine-merchant
Hogg James, (F.) Cabinet-maker
Hogg Eleanor, Grocer and Spirit-dealer
Hogg John, (F.) Dyer
Hogg John, (F.) Sailmaker
Holmes Thomas, Grocer
Horn John, (F.) Grocer
Horsley Thomas, Painter and Glazier
Hume Matth. Victualler, (Dun Cow)
Hunter Thomas, (F.) Butcher
Hunter John, (F.) Butcher
Hunter Thomas, Flour-dealer
Hurry and Co. Salt-Office
Hutchinson Michae1; (F.) Blacksmith
Irvine William, sen. (F.) Brewer and Victualler, (King's Head)
Irvine William, jun. Queen's Head Inn
Jackson John, Cooper
Jackson Michael, Treasurer to the Commissioners of the River
Wear
Johnson Wm. (F.) Smith and Farrier
Jowrey, Thomas, Golden Lion Inn
Kilvington, Christopher, Butcher
Lamb John, (F.) Baker
Laverick Henry, (F.) Shoemaker
Lawson and Irvine, Coal-fitters
Lees Wm. agent to John Maling, Esq.
Longbotham Geroge, Blockmaker
Longridge, Michael, Mercer & Draper
Lynd Joshua, Grocer
Lynn Joshua, Butcher
Mackintosh James, Agent to Mr Nesham
Maddisson John, Pawnbroker
Makepeace Tho. Grocer & Merchant
Maling John (F.) Coal-fitter and Raff-merchant
Markham Rich. (F.) Mercer & Draper
Martin Thomas, Upholsterer
Martin William, Boat-builder
Mather Robert, Hair-dresser
Millars Messrs. (F.) Brickmakers
Moor John, Shoemaker
Moor William (F.) Slopseller
Mordey Joseph, Shoemaker
Mounsey John (F.) Hatmaker
Mounsey Thomas (F.) Grocer
Naisbitt George, Slopseller
Nattrass Jackson (F.) Chandler and Grocer
Nelson John (F.) Coal-fitter
Nesham John (F.), Coal-fitter
Nicholson George, Taylor
p. 514
Nisbett Thomas, Brewer
Ogden William Maude, (F.) Baker
Oliver William, (F.) Dealer in Ropes
Orton William, Mercer and Draper
Parker Thomas, Grocer
Parker Timothy, Coal-fitter
Patterson Alexander, Draper
Penrith William, (F.) Coal-fitter
Plummer Thomas, Grocer and Baker
Punshor John, Anchor-smith
Ranson John, Brazier
Ratcliffe Charles, Butcher
Raw John and Craister James, Raff- merchants
Reay George and Robert, Coal-fitters
Reay Walter, George Inn
Reay, Francis, Blockmaker
Reay and Almond, Spirit-dealers
Reed Elizabeth, Pawnbroker
Reed Thomas, Printer and Bookseller
Renner John, Spirit-dealer
Ridley William, While Lion Inn
Robinson George, (F.) Brewer
Robinson and Bramwell, Wine and Spirit Dealers
Robinson William, Hair-dresser
Robinson George, (F.) Coal-fitter
Robson William, Earthenware- dealer
Robson William, Painter
Russell William, (F.) Coal-fitter
Rutter William, Hair-dresser
Ryle John, Mercer and Draper
Salisbury William, Painter andGlazier
Samuel Hart, Jeweller
Sandersons --, Milliners
Sanderson --. Grocer
Scurfield Bryan, (F )Ship-builder
Service John, Hair-dresser
Sheraston George, (F.) Coal-fitter
Shields William, (F.) Mason
Shout Robert, Engineer
Shout Robert, Grocer
Simpson and Penrith, Cabinet-makers
Smith William, {F.) Coal-fitter
Smith Edward, Painter and Glazier
Smith Simon, (F.) Victualler, (Horns)
Smith Joseph, (F.} Taylor
Smitham Thomas, (F.) Coal-fitter
Sparrow John, (F.), Coal-fitter
Sporck John, Butcher
Stafford R. Victualler (Marquis of Granby)
Stephenson Thomas, Sadler
Stevenson Martin, (F.) Sadler
Stony John, Sailmaker
Taylor Anthony, (F.) Slopseller
Taylor Ann and Jane, Milliners
Tempest John, (F.) Coal-fitter
Thompson Andrew, (F.) Slopseller
Thompson Margaret, Spirit-dealer
Thompson George, Leather-seller
Thompson Joseph, Mercer and Draper
Thompson John, (F.) Goldsmith &c
Thorne Nathaniel, Bookbinder
Todd James, Butcher
Todd Edward, Brazier
Trotter William, (F.) Shoemaker
Turner Robert, (F.) Cabinet-maker
Turner Henry, Grocer
Urwin Stephen, (F.) Shoemaker
Vipond John, Grocer
Wake Thomas, Coal-fitter
Walker and Co. (F.) Brewers
Walker Robert and Humphrey, (F) Coal-fitters
Walker Sus. Custom-house Coffee-house
Ward Dorothy, Victualler (Gen. Wolfe)
Watkin Thomas, Hair-dresser
Watson Robert, Undertaker
Watson William, Victualler, (Bacchus)
Wheatley William, Staymaker
Whitfield John, Shoemaker
White Matthew William, Grocer
White George, Taylor
Wilson Caleb, (F.) Chandler
Wilson James, Coal-fitter, &c.
Wiseman William, Gardener
Wood William, (F.) Butcher
Wood Elizabeth, Milliner
Youl James, (F.) Baker
Young and Carr, Mercers and Drapers
Young Richard, Anchor-smith
CUSTOM-HOUSE
Christopher Hill, Esq. Collector
Wm. Gooch, Esq. Deputy Comptroller
Charles Simpson, Deputy Customer
George Thompson, Land-surveyor
Thomas Smith, Tide-surveyor
John Winstone, Tide-surveyor
George Nicholson, Deputy-searcher
Land-waiters.
William Brown
Thomas Laidman
Thomas Stout
Henry Powell
EXCISE-OFFICE.
James Douglas, Supervisor and Port-surveyor
William Snowdall, Exciseman and Port-gauger
Excisemen.
John French
Thomas Fairburn
Paul Edger
Thomas Miles
John Thompson
Thomas Cooper
p. 515
The metal bridge, which was begun sume time ago across the
river Wear, for the accommodation of the people in this neighbourhood,
is nearly finished. It is to be one hundred feet high, two hundred
and thirty-six feet in length, and is to have but one arch.
The expence of this beneficial undertaking will amount to upwards
of twenty-five thousand pounds. Mr. Lambton, Sir Ralph Milbanke,
and Mr. Burdon, contributed several thousands pounds towards
its erection.
Although Bishop Wearmouth and Monk Wearmouth were anciently
places of note, they are now little better than suburbs of Sunderland
; Bishop Wearmouth, by the intermediate buildings, being now
nearly joined to Sunderland, from which it only lay about half
a mile.- The following are the principal inhabitants:
GENTRY &C.
Allan James, Esq. (F.)
Blakiston William, Gent. (F.)
Cass James, Gent. (F.)
Goodchild John, Gent.
Ingledew Robert, Gent.
Maude Samuel, Gent. (F.)
Richmond William, Gent. (F.)
Rickaby William, Gent.
Stamp Thomas, Gent.
Story Anthony, Esq. (F.)
Wells Thomas, Gent. (F.)
Young John, Gent. (F.)
CLERGY.
Egerton Hon. and Rev. Henry, Rector
Fletcher Rev. Mr. Minister of the Catholic Chapel
Stephenson Rev. George, Curate
PHYSIC.
Brown Tipping, M. D.
LAW.
Sanderson Thomas, (F.) Attorney
Story George, (F.) Counsellor
TRADERS, &C
Allan Robert, sen. (F.) Coal-fitter
Allan Robert, jun. Coal-fitter
Allan William, Pawnbroker
Angus Jonathan, Insurance-broker
Atkinson Richard, Brewer
Atkinson John, Pawnbroker
Ayre Thomas, (F.) Insurance-broker
Bramwell Mrs. Tea-dealer &c.
Brown George, (F.) Cabinet-maker
Chapman Solomon, (F.) Spirit-dealer
Collin James, (F.) Ship-builder
Cook, W. (F.) Proprietor of ferry-boats
Davidson John, (F.) Coal-fitter
Drew George, Keeper of the Poor-house
Dunning James, (F.) Coal fitter and Raff-merchant
Ellis William, Parish-clerk
Elstob and Co. Brewers
Ferrimond Robert, Coal-fitter
Ferrimond Joseph, Joiner and Cabinet-maker
Garbutt and Galliller, (F. ) Coal-fitters
Garthwaite Mrs. Victualler, (Ship)
Gibson and Ness, (F.) Coal-fitters
Greenwells and Co. Sail-cloth Manufacturers
Herring Elizabeth, Grocer
Hill John, Victualler, (Three Crowns)
Horne Nathan, Blockmaker
Hunter William, (F.) Coal-fitter
Hutton Robert, (F.) Coal-fitter
Johnson Edward, Anchor-smith
Lasonby Miss, Grocer
Linton Mich. Victualler, (Green Dragon)
Maude Jacob, (F.) Coal-fitter
Nicholson Thomas, (F.) Ship-builder
Nicholfon John, Ropemaker
Richardson Thomas, (F.) Coal-fitter
Richardson Isaac, Farmer
Robson William, (F.) Coal-fitter
Rowe -, Grocer
Rutherford Anthony, Blacksmith
Sheraton Francis and Co. (F.) Spirit-dealers and Wine-merchants
Stephenson George, Coal-fitter
Vaux John, (F) Painter and Glazier
Watson John, jun. Blockmaker
Waugh Mrs. Grocer
Wilkinson William, Stonemason
Willoughby Mrs. Grocer
Wilson John, Sadler
Wilson John, Coal-fitter
Monk Wearmouth is opposite Sunderland, on the north side of
the Wear; it had its name from being the residence of monks,
so early as the year 674, and from being near the mouth of the
Wear. - The following are the principal inhabitants of Monk
Wearmouth and Monk Wearmouth-shore :
GENTRY.
Broderick Matthew, Gent. (F.)
Burn Thomas, Gent. (F.)
Cairns Robert, Gent. (F.)
p. 516
Liddell Robert, Gent. (F.)
CLERGY.
Abbs Rev. Cooper
Gibson Rev. Thomas, Curate
Henderson Rev. John, Dissenting Minister
Ivison Rev, Jonathan, Perpetual Curate
PHYSIC
Allison William, Surgeon
Collingwood Thomas, (F.) Surgeon
Hassall George, Surgeon
Stoddart Sharp, Surgeon
Watson Edward, (F.) Surgeon
LAW
Hutchinson Christopher, Attorney
Thornber John, Attorney
TRADERS, &C.
Allison John, (F.) Coal-fitter
Bails John, (F.) Taylor
Barnes -, Grocer
Bewick Robert, (F.) Globe Inn
Blenkinsop John, (F.) Ship-builder
Booth John, (F.) Ship-builder
Booth William, Blockmaker
Burn Thomas, (F.) Ship-builder
Cropton Robert, Coal-fitter
Davidson Robert, Butcher
Dickinson Richard, Dealer in Ropes
Dugood William, Grocer
Elender Francis, (F.) Anchor-smith
Ferry William, Brazier
Furness Joseph, Watchmaker
Galley John (F.) Coal-fitter
Gregson Mrs Victualler (Golden Anchor)
Grey Edward, (F.) Coal-fitter
Henderson Ralph, Dealer in Ropes
Heppell J. Victualler, (Newcastle Arms)
Hicks Matthew (F.) Blockmaker
Hobson Matthew, Ropemaker
Hodgson Michael, Blockmaker
Hodgson Thomas, Ropemaker
Holburn Ann, Victualler
Hunter William, Painter
Hutchinson William, (F.) Butcher
Hutchinson William, Butcher
Kidson Thomas, Agent to Mr Wilkinson, Coal-fitter
Lamb William, Shoemaker
Landers Anthony, Sailmaker
Lawson George, Grocer
Lee Joseph, Butcher
Lee Joseph, Agent to Sir Hedworth Williamson
Macdougall James, (F.) Baker
Maltman James, Baker
Marshall Robert, Dealer in Ropes
Masterman George, Sailmaker
Masterman Tho. Painter and Glazier
Matthew John (F.) Butcher
Medcalfe Robert, (F.) Shields Carrier and Victualler, (Coach
and Horses)
Morrow Robert, King's Head Inn
Myers James, Blockmaker
Nicholson Joseph, (F.) Shoemaker
Parker Joseph, Grocer
Pearson Edward, Gardener
Preston Edward, Butcher
Punton Joseph, (F.) Grocer
Rawling John, Butcher
Reed Robert, (F.) Grocer
Reed Robert, Butcher
Reed William, (F.) Mason
Robinson John, (F.) Boat-builder
Robson Edward, (F.) Victualler, (Red Lion)
Robson Matthew, Sailmaker
Rudd James, (F.) Sailmaker
Rudd Henry, (F.) Ship-builder
Ruddock Nicholas, (F.) Butcher
Scaling Thomas, (F.) Dealer in Ropes
Smith Matthew, (F.) Grocer
Smithis John, (F.) Schoolmaster
Stafford John, (F.) Coal-fitter
Stafford and Hodgson, Raff-merchants
Stephenson Sornby (F.) Ropemaker
Stephenson John, (F.) Baker
Stephenson Samuel, (F.) Ironmonger
Stubbs John Victualler, (Smiths' Arms)
Swan Joseph, Butcher
Taylor John, (F.) Coal-fitter
Taylor Charles, (F.) Grocer
Topliff William, (F.) Coal-fitter
Turner W. Victualler (Newcastle Arms)
Wake and Scaling, Boat-builders
Wake Thomas, Coal-fitter
Wandless Thomas, (F.)Baker
Wears John, (F.) Miller
Wilkinson William, Coal-fitter
Willis John, (F.) Pawnbroker
Wright John, Ship-builder
The eastern side of the county, along the sea-coast, and indeed
the southern side, along the banks of the Tees, is very fertile
and delightful, thick of little towns and villages, which are
very populous ; and, as the mountains on the west produce iron
mines, this side is full of those of coals, which lie so very
near the surface of the ground, that the cart-wheels in some
places press into them. - Indeed the road to Newcastle gives
a view of the inexhausted store of coals and coal=pits, which
employ near thirty thousand persons in digging of coals; and
from
p. 517
from hence not London only, but many places abroad, and the
south part of England, are continually supplied. And though
at London, when we see the prodigious fleets of ships which
come constantly in with coals, we are apt to wonder how it is
possible for them to be supplied, and that they do not bring
the whole coal-country away; yet, when in this country we see
the prodigious heaps, we may say mountains, of coals, which
are dug up at every pit, and how many of those pits there are,
we are filled with equal wonder to consider where the people
should live who consume them.
At the mouth of the Tyne, which parts Durham from Northumberland,
stands the village of Shields, the station of the sea-coal fleets,
where there have been sume marks of Roman antiquity discovered
not many years since.
Jarrow, noted for the birth-place of the venerable Bede, stands
a little higher upon the same river; and upon the same side
of the Tyne stands Gateshead, or Goatshead, Capræ Caput,
as it was anciently called, the receptacle of the coal-pit men,
just over-against Newcastle, and is supposed of old to have
been part of it, though divided by the river, over which stood
a stately stone bridge, with a gate in the middle ; which served
as a boundary between the bishoprick and the county of Northumberland
; but this bridge sell down a few years since, and has not yet
been rebuilt.
The air in this bishoprick is pretty cold and piercing; ; and
it is well for the poor that nature has supplied them so abundantly
with fuel for firing ; and indeed all other provisions and necessaries
are very cheap here. It seems as if the whole county had been
originally appropriated to religion and war; for it is full
of the ruins of religious houses and castles.