Whorlton, the Ancestral Home of the Wappat Family

Whorlton [From: History, Topography and Directory of Durham, Whellan , London, 1894]
"This chapelry, which possesses no dependent townships, is bounded on the north by Winston parish, on the west by a portion of the chapelry of Barnard Castle, on the south by the river Tees, and on the east by the parish of Winston. It includes the estates of Arlaw Banks, Etherley, Humbleton, Sledwick, Whorley Hill, and a portion of that of Stubb House, the remainder of which extends into the adjoining parish of Winston. The township of Whorlton comprises an area of 1760 acres and its annual value is £2430."

"The village of Whorlton occupies a beautiful situation, about three miles east-south-east from Barnard Castle; the Tees with its overhanging cliffs, thickly fringed with trees, passing near it on the south. On the opposite bank is the village of Wycliffe, and a fine range of country extends in every direction. "

The Tees is here crossed by a fine iron suspension bridge, which was erected in 1830-31, from designs and under the direction of the late Mr. Green, architect, of Newcastle. The span between the points of suspension is 180 feet.

Whorlton Census
"Census populations for Whorlton were:-
1801 - 245 1851 - 296
1811 - 246 1861 - 294
1821 - 300 1871 - 279
1831 - 311 1881 - 241
1841 - 286 1891 - 249"

Church History
"The Chapel, dedicated to St. Mary, was rebuilt in 1853, and is an elegant stone building, in the Decorated style of Gothic architecture. It consists of a nave and chancel; the roof is of oak, open, and stained; the chancel floor is laid with encaustic tiles, by Minton; the seats are oak-stained and varnished, and will accomodate 150 persons. The entrance is by a southern porch, and at the south-west corner an octagonal turret, about fifty feet in height, forms a belfry. The pulpit and font are of stone, and are very neat. The total cost of erection amounted to £600, which was raised by public subscription."
[From: History, Topography and Directory of Durham, Whellan , London, 1894]



Gate to Whorlton Church	Chapel to St Mary, Whorlton, Teessdale, England

Whorlton church, upon entering gate.	Headstone of Robert Wappat, died 28th March 1765

Various 16th Century Wappat Headstones (centre, to the left) and Johnson tombs (centre, to the right)	Whorlton Village

Whorlton Village green.	Whorlton Hall, once belonged to the Johnson family. We are the only living descendants!

	Image to the left shows the church at Winston, a neighbouring village to Whorlton. Many Wappats were also born here. Ralph Wapputt alias Johnson was born in Winston, as was his son Ralph Wappat, and his grandson Ralph Wappat. I could not find any Wappat tombstones. Many Winston Wappats were actually buried in Whorlton. Pictures taken by Andrew Wappat in the summer of 2001
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