The Old Vicarage

This site was added to the Gateshead local list in 2023. The local list description reads:
'Until the mid-19th century Birtley was served by the Parish and church of Chester-le-Street, and in 1847 a decision was made to create a new church for Birtley due to its rapidly growing population. A large site was chosen in a prominent position in the village and work commenced in 1848 and on December 3rd the church of St. John’s opened its doors for worship. On January 8th, 1850, St. John’s was given its own ministerial area and the Parish of Birtley was born. Rev Francis Bewsher was appointed as the first Vicar. The Vicarage dates from c1850. A large, detached property in its own grounds, it retains many original features. Although Rev Francis William Brewsher was resident in Knarsdale in March 1851 (Census return), he was living in Birtley by 1853 (UK, Poll Books & Electoral Registers). Freehold House & Church Yard, Birtley Parsonage. In the 1861 Census return he was still living at The Parsonage, Birtley, and listed as the Perpetual Curate of Birtley. The Vicarage and gardens were used for numerous events and meetings in the community over many years (even the Primitive Methodists had garden parties at the Vicarage) and was central to village life. The local newspapers report on several of these events, including the Chester-le-Street Chronicle (1911-1940) and also later publications. The St. John’s Church Monthly Magazine (June 1909) also refers to vineries and pineries in the garden of the Vicarage, although these have now ceased to exist. In 1914 plans were approved for an addition to the Vicarage at Birtley for the Vicar, although no further details are given in the local newspaper.'