Middleton-Tyas (St. Michael)

MIDDLETON-TYAS (St. Michael), a parish, in the union of Richmond, wapentake of Gilling-East, N. riding of York, 5 miles (N. E.) from Richmond; containing 795 inhabitants, of whom 586 are in the township of Middleton-Tyas with the rural hamlet of Kneeton. This parish, including the township of Moulton, comprises about 5750 acres. The surface is undulated, and the scenery in many parts beautifully picturesque; the soil is generally fertile, resting on limestone, which is extensively quarried, and there are several limekilns. Copper-ore is found in considerable quantities, and some extensive works were formerly carried on here, but they have for more than half a century been discontinued. In a limestone-quarry on the lands of Geo. H. Pybus, Esq., has been discovered a bed of variegated marble, which is susceptible of a high polish, and, from a specimen that has been dressed by a skilful workman, seems likely to be brought into general use The village is pleasantly situated on the road to Darlington. The living is a vicarage, endowed with a portion of the rectorial tithes, valued in the king's books at £15. 10., and in the patronage of the Crown; net income, £705. The incumbent's tithes in the township of Middleton-Tyas have been commuted for £337, and the impropriator's for £33: the vicar has a glebe of 149 acres. The church is an ancient structure, with some Norman details. There are remains of a chapel at Kneeton.