Witton Gilbert, Durham

Description
Witton Gilbert, a village and a parish in Durham. The village stands 3 1/2 miles NW by W of Durham, took the latter part of its name from Gilbert de la Ley, the owner of the manor in the time of Bishop Pudsey, or from Gilbert de Latona, who is the first styled Dominus de Wittona, has a station on the N.E.R., and a post and money order office under Durham; telegraph office, Sacriston. The parish includes Findon Hill and Fulforth hamlets, and comprises 3251 acres; population of the civil parish, 4215; of the ecclesiastical, 2602. There is a parish council, and the village is lighted by electricity. A lepers' hospital was founded here by Gilbert de la Ley. The living is a rectory in the diocese of Durham; gross value, £285 with residence. Patrons, the Dean and Chapter of Durham. The church was rebuilt in 1863, and is in the Early English style. There are a reading-room and institute, and a Methodist New Connexion chapel.