Mainsforth township and village occupy a pleasant situation between Ferry Hill station and Bishop Middleham, and is well known as the residence of the late Robert Surtees esq. M.A., F.S.A. author of the “History and Antiquities of Durham;” it is now the property of Colonel Surtees D.L. but is at present occupied by E. Gleadowe Marshall esq. Colonel Surtees is lord of the manor and principal landowner. The area is 762 acres; rateable value, £1,395; the population in 1881 was 114.