Tong

TONG, a chapelry, in the parish of Birstal, union of Bradford, wapentake of Morley, W. riding of the county of York, 6½ miles (W. S. W.) from Leeds; containing 2515 inhabitants. The manor, including the hamlets of Cutler-Height, Far-Street, Rycroft, Holme, and Westgate-Hill, comprises by admeasurement 2643 acres, principally the property of Col. John Plumbe Tempest. The surface is hilly, and the scenery enriched with extensive woods of native growth; the soil is fertile, and the substratum abounds with coal and ironstone. Tong Hall, the seat of Col. Tempest, is a stately mansion, erected by Sir George Tempest, on the site of an ancient Hall occupied by the De Tonge, Mirfield, and Tempest families for more than 750 years; it is situated in a finely-wooded demesne, comprising much beautiful scenery, and commanding extensive views. The village is neatly built, and though in the centre of a populous manufacturing district, is rural and retired; the inhabitants are mostly employed in agriculture, in woolcombing, and the making of rope and twine. The chapel, dedicated to St. James, was rebuilt in 1727, chiefly at the expense of Sir Geo. Tempest: the living is a perpetual curacy; net income, £166; patron and impropriator, Col. Tempest. There is a place of worship for Wesleyans. A school was built by Sir Geo. Tempest in 1737.