This ancient parish is bounded on the north-west by Hedworth, on the north by Simonside in South Shields, on the east by Whitburn, on the south by Castle Town, Southwick, and Washington, and on the south-west by Washington parish. The parish contains the townships of East and West Boldon, with villages of the same name, and has an area of 4031 acres. In 1882 a part of this parish was taken to form part of the new parish of Hedworth.

"The townships of East Boldon and West Boldon are returned together for civil purposes, having a united area of 4805 acres and ratable value of £29,499.

"The village of East Boldonis very pleasantly situated on the Sunderland and Newcastle road, about four miles north-west from the former. Here are many villa residences and attractive terraces, and the district has of late years become very popular as a place of residence for the merchants and tradesmen of Sunderland and Shields.

"West Boldon Village- This is the ancient village, and maintains much of its rural aspect, being overlooked by the venerable and picturesque old church. The older portion of the village occupies a rocky eminence, commanding a fine prospect on all sides, and is remarkable for its salubrity."

[From History, Topography and Directory of Durham, Whellan , London, 1894]