Spittle-Hill

SPITTLE-HILL, a township, in the parish of Mitford, union, and W. division of the ward, of Morpeth, N. division of Northumberland, 1¾ mile (W. by N.) from Morpeth; containing 12 inhabitants. This township, which comprises 154 acres, takes its name from an hospital founded in the reign of Henry I., and dedicated to St. Leonard, by William de Bertram, who endowed it with lands for a chaplain. The advowson was vested in the barons of Mitford; but prior to the 14th century, the abbot of Newminster obtained possession of the chaplain's lands. The hospital, nevertheless, continued to exist till the year 1464, and on the death of one of the Percys, who held the advowson, was valued at 40s. per annum; the site is now occupied by a modern mansion, the residence of Mr. Bullock, owner of the township, which has been for many years the property of his family. The impropriate tithes have been commuted for £16. 12. 2.