There is a pedigree of Story of Bishop Wearmouth in "Surtees' Durham," p. 233.
On page 47 of this work it is stated that in 1746 Thorney Close was devised by
George Story, of Bishop Wearmouth, Esquire, to his nephew, Anthony Story, whose
son, George Story, alienated it to Robert Hayton, Esq., and it was sold by Mr.
Hayton's executors to Mr. John White, of Sunderland, Merchant. The estate
contained 80 acres of land, lying to the north of the turnpike adjoining
Grindon.
There is a memorial in the churchyard of Houghton-le-Spring to Anthony Story,
Esqre., of Newbottle, J.P., who died on the 24th December, 1805, aged 50 years.
An adjoining stone commemorates Morland Story, son of the above Anthony Story,
by Mary, his wife, who died 20th May, 1787, aged 13 days. Caroline Story, who
died 6th April, 1793, and Anthony Makepeace Story, eldest son of Anthony and
Mary Story, who died at Antrim on the 20th May, 1797, aged 20 years, and was
buried at Lisburn.
On a mural tablet within the south aisle of the said church of
Houghton-le-Spring is a memorial to William Samuel Story, Captain in His
Majesty's 65th Regiment of Foot, who died at Bombay, on the 21st July, 1810.
A marble commemoration was also erected in Bombay.
"A most excellent soldier and a correct gentleman," said his *commanding
officer, who ordered mourning for him for two months.
(Vol. I., p. 155 Surtees.)
In the church of Bishop Wearmouth is a handsome black marble to the memory of
George Storey. It is as follows:-
H. S. E.
Georgium Storey, ornatissimus planè juvens qui eximiis naturæ
dotibus summum eruditionem conjunxit; omnifere liberam genere mentem implevit,
virtute ac pietate. Vitam muneris cultor devotissimus omnibus benevolus, et
exemplare. Patriæ Decus, Amicis, charissimus Familiæ spes simul et
honòs, Doctus, probus pius omino supra ætatem. Postvitam revera
brevem actam lethali morbo correptus pie decessit III Iduum Septembr A.D.
MDCCXXVIIL Ætatis suæ. 23.†
The foregoing epitaph was formerly on a coarse freestone now laid in the floor
of the south aisle. It was restored in marble by Sophia Seddon and Mary Story
when the nave of the church was rebuilt.
(Surtees' "Durham," Vol. I., p. 228.)