I have a few books on the subject of Wynyard and its history. The most interesting volume is called ‘The Londonderry Album’ and is a collection of photographs that came to light in the late 1970’s, but originated from around 1900 when Wynyard was at the height of its influence. The book includes photographs of the family, house guests (including royalty), estate workers and buildings.
The book should be finished fairly soon and could be published June/July. I would love to get in touch with Norman Daggett, gamekeeper, if anyone can help. Or anyone else with pictures of Wynyard, especially of servants, working people etc.
Dorothy – Robert Brown Hutchinson was my grandad and when he retired, we moved into the bigger farm house. So yes, George Daniels worked after your husband.
Patricia – I would say he’s about 70 give or take a few years?!
Norma – My dad and brother had to move off the farm because of the Wynyard Hall development. I was just watching a dvd of the farm sale the other day, and there was a bit of film of John Hall talking about the tens of thousands of jobs that development at Wynyard would bring – well we’re still waiting for them! Good luck with your book anyway – did you know that there is a book about Wynyard?
Fascinating to read these memories. I am a member of Sedgefield Local History Group. We are busy writing, at Sir John Hall’s request, a book about the history of Wynard Hall and the people associated with it. I’m also interested in Wynyard as a training college. My husband’s aunt (Olwyn Foxton) was a student there in the late 40s/early 50s and I know there is a reunion group who have met annually for a long time but may have to stop soon. If anybody has photos, info, stories about their time there, I’d love to see and hear them.
I think Goerge Daniels may be my cousin, do you know how old he is and if he still lives at Sedgefield. Do you also know anything about his family. What type of work did he do and what age would he have been then. Look forward to hearing from you.
My husband used to work for R. B. Hutchinson for about 5 years from 1945, and he remembers a Daniels working for Mr Shepard at Close Farm, So George Daniels must have worked for your Dad and your Uncle David after I left, please correct me if I am wrong.
PEARL RISPIN, YOUR ARTICLE WAS VERY INTERESTING, I WONDER IF WE ARE RELATED. MY MOTHER AND FATHER JACK AND PEGGY DANIELS LIVED AT WYNYARD, I THINK ABOUT 1950’S. I WAS BORN 1951 AT SEDGEFIELD. I HAD AN OLDER BROTHER CALLED JOHN DANIELS AND HE CAN REMEMBER LIVING IN A TIN HUT HE CALLED IT, THERE WERE 5 OF US DANIEL CHILDREN AND MY DAD WORKED AT ICI AT BILLINGHAM. I THINK I ALSO HAD A COUSIN CALLED GEORGE DANIELS. MY MUM DIED AND WE WERE SENT TO A CHILDRENS HOME. PLEASE GET IN TOUCH WITH ME.
Hi Patricia, Yes your Uncle Jack was my Mum Gwen’s brother. There was Norah, Madge (Marjorie), Gwendoline (Gwen) Jack and Clifford. Clifford died just after war. Then Nana (Peggy) remarried to Alfred’s brother Alan and had Arthur, Rose, Isobel and Alan, who was always called Micky. Only Isobel and Micky are still alive. I remember moving into your house with my Mum so she could look after you children after your Mum died but then my Mum was expecting so had to move out and your family split up. Is there a Susan and a Vanessa in your family. I remember John I think, was he the eldest? Best regards. Pearl
I know Lenny Tinkler, who is in his late 70s. He lives at Norton, and is married to my friend Jean. He is an active member of the RAFA club at Stockton.
Edwina, were your Tinklers related to the Tinkler Family of Palmerston Street, Stockton on Tees. Alice Tinkler married to Jack Tinkler was my grandmothers niece. She was married to Jack or George who died around 1963 as far as I know. Alice died in 1977. There is still a son, Lenny, around in Stockton or Billingham, he would be in his late 70S now.
My Mother’s maiden name was Tinkler, and her father George, was the son of a young girl who was employed at Wynyard Hall. Her name was Annie Tinkler. Grandad would have been born in the late 1880’s. We never found out who his father was, but whoever it was, a husband was found for my great grandmother. This man’s name was Lake and he had three other children. My grandfather kept the name Tinkler. When my grandfather grew up a job was obtained for him as a mounted guard at Buckingham Palace. As a small child growing up in Billingham I used to play with his plumed helmet which sat in the unlit fireplace. I always thought that the family of his father was keeping an eye out for him and his mother Annie. I would love to find out more of this story. If it rings any bells please get in touch with me via the Picture Stockton Team. I live in Canada now, and am thrilled to find this site. I noticed that another person has mentioned a George Tinkler too (but he was a different age and did not marry my grandmother), whose name was Jean Hillditch nee Seaman.
Wynyard Hall was definitely used as a teachers training college for women.In 1960 as sixth formers from Stockton Grammar School we were taken by bus one evening to see a show put on by the young ladies.It was great.But one of our number, Jim Turnbull, decided to go on his cycle motor, which unfortunaly packed up on the way back to Stockton (Cycle motors were a bike which had a small engine over the back wheel. They would do a speed of about 15 mph uphill or down)
I was wanting to know more about my whakapapa, I am the descendant of Whiro Ratahi which is Te Ratahi Ratahi an Ngaperas Son who are my great great great great grandparents. I belong to Tamure Tony Ratahi which is my grandfather (Rangikakura Ratahi & Ria Hapi’s Son) Tamure Married Annette Weston who is my grandmother (both deceased)My mother was Gaylene Ratahi. Can anyone help as I now have a daughter and want to tell her one day about who she is and where she comes from.
All this information is fascinating. I currently live in a house in Wolviston which I believe was built by Lord Londenderry circa 1860. If anyone has any information about Lord Londenderry’s estate he buit up around Wolviston I’d be really interested!
Re this comment: Colonel Robert Wynyard was born at Windsor castle. It was in fact his son Gladwin that married Marore , and had a child (Bella Aitu Wynyard)that was taken to Taranaki, I have a newspaper article about Taunatapu Annie Roach about this event.
Taunatapu was my grandmother and to clarify – the newspaper article was written without general authentication from the immediate family. Robert Henry is in fact the father of Marore and they never married. Her extended family took both mother and child back to Taranaki where they remained. My g’mother only ever recorded him as Kanara (Colonel)Robert Henry Wynyard. Their daughter was Ngapera Bella Marore He Moata Aitu who married Te Ratahi Ratahi. There is a lot of information out there if this is the line wanting to be searched. Hope this clarifies it.
Hi Dianne,
Im a little confused you have said that Maorore is the daughter of Robert but they never married?? Ive always thought that Ngapera was the daughter of Robert, but other sources are saying that Gladwyn is the father?? I am off to windsor castle next week hoping to get some information. Marore is the mother of Ngapera. My grandmother is the grand-daughter of Mauriri Nuku and daughter of Tame Mauriri but whangai to Tomehoki Rongonui.
Yes, that’s what happens when you go too fast! Marore and RHW had Ngapera who married Ratahi. There is a written recording in the files at Puke Ariki New Plymouth form Taunatapu recorded in 1965 giving her whakapapa.
I am a history student at University in the united States. I am working on a research project on British country houses during the Second World war. I am interested in learning about the experiences of people who lived, worked and were stationed in Britain’s stately homes during the war.
I am working on researching Lord and Lady Londonderry’s estate at Wynyard Park during the war.
I am trying to find anyone with memoires of Wynyard Park during the 1930’s and 1940’s. The Picture stockton team can provide you with my email address.
It’s a long time since you left this message but are you still interested in the activities of folk around the Wynyard Estate? I have links with friends now gone that were born in the Park in the late 1800’s (84 myself as now). Bill A.
Hello Bill. Researching my family history, I found that my grandmother – Mary Jarvis (ladies maid to Lady Londonderry) who was the daughter of Charles Jarvis the Coachman at Wynyard in 1901. She married my grandfather, James Bone, and went to live with him in Ireland where he was Butler to the Marquess of Waterford at Curraghmore Estate. They had three children Jim, Frank (my father) and Helen. In 1917 he died of pneumonia after attempting to rescue the stud groom’s son who had fallen through the ice on the salmon leap. I am trying to find out what happened to his widow and children and wonder if they returned to the Wynyard area or to Seaham Hall (I remember going there as a child to visit Aunt Rose who lived in a mews cottage in the stable yard)
Thanks for the information, Frank. Norman always spoke about his wife as if she was the backbone of his family. When I was last at Normans he showed me books and photo albums of photos of Wynyard hall, staff and the King and Queen and Old Winston. I just hope one day someone like Stockton Council can get there hands on them and show them to the public as it would be a shame if they were ever destroyed – its not just Local history but British history
I went to school with Norman”s son Ernie but lost touch when he joined the REME and I joined the RAF. I remember once helping with feeding the hounds – they ate raw tripe that was still green in colour. No point in bleaching it for the dogs; they ain”t that fussy!
Your Mum must have worked for Lord Londonderry who owned the place Debra and she would have known my Aunt Muriel who used to be housekeeper. Funny you should mention Georgie fame, even down to the famous skinny dipping in the lake! I was wondering if anyone can remember Old Norman Dagget, the estate game keeper – last time I went to see him was about 11 years ago when he was living in a bungalow in Chilton, so wondering if he is still alive?
I also lived in one of the gardeners cottages (next door to Tim Hall and was actually his bridesmaid at his wedding held in Wynyard Hall). My mam worked at Wynyard Hall before I was born and pulled Georgie Fame out of bed on many an occasion!! I later moved to Billingham at the age of nine and went on to work for Sir John Hall in the site office (aka the Kennels cottages) when he bought the estate in later years. I have to say for all we had to decorate our old cottage repeatedly to keep away the damp coming through the walls – I find it sad to see it in its current modern “concrete jungle” condition
I am doing my family history and have found out that my grandparents were involved with Wynyard Hall. On their marriage certificate from the Parish Church of Grindon on 16th June, 1917 it states that George Henry Tinkler, Farm Labourer aged 45 and Agnes Dawson, aged 20 were resident at Wynyard Station. From family hearsay I think that they worked for the family. Does anyone have any information or know of any archive material I could use to help continue my journey?
Neil Pallister, Sorry to be the bearer of sad news but Duncan Radburn died a few years ago,I used to call in his shop every morning for a newspaper on my way to work. After he left the shop he had a Garden Centre near to Wolviston Cricket Club.
Regarding recent postings on Wynyard Hall, I have vivid memories of this estate from 1957-8. In Wolviston village there was a newsgent/sweet/tobaconnist shop called Radburn”s. I worked for Duncan Radburne every Sunday, delivering newspapers to outlying areas. It involved getting up at 5.00 AM and finishing around noon. I carried a full canvas bag of papers, about 30lbs I would guess, on the handlebars of my bike in all weathers! My first load was to Newton Bewley, about 2 miles away, dropping off papers to various houses and farms on the way, and then in the village itself. Then back to the shop for another load covering Wolviston village. Then back for a third load. This took me along Wynyard Road towards Thorpe Thewles. About 3 miles alonng this road was the magnificent “Golden Gates” entry to Lord Londonderry”s estate. I delivered papers to all kinds of ancillary buildings where estate workers were living – the Gatehouse, the Kennels (though the hounds were long gone), the Dairy (where the milking and butter-making went on), and then to Wynyard Hall itself. I remember peeking into the wonderful great entrance hall, with its guilded coaches, suits of armour and other relics of earlier glory. I actually delivered the papers to the maids in the huge kitchen facility. Lord Londonderry was seldom there, I believe, but there were always a few employees around. From there I continued delivering through the estate for a couple of miles or so, eventually coming out at another fine gated entrance on the Sedgefield road, the A689, or Coal Lane as it was called, leading back to Wolviston. After about a year of this I turned 17 and my Dad bought me a motorcycle (James, 197cc). I did the same route with the bag of papers resting on the petrol tank. (I”m sure the police would not allow that today!) All this for ten bob, later twelve and a tanner, though in those years it seemed a princely sum to a young lad! Duncan Radburn was a fine man. I wonder if he is still alive? He”d be in his late eighties I imagine.
Re Londonderry”s ponies, I can now supply the odd fact. The Londonderry Stud was established in 1870 and the Marquis leased the island of Noss (next to Bressay) from 1871 to 1900. At first it seemed he utlised the stock of the Bressay crofters, running their mares with his own stallions from facilities he built on Noss. Foals which were colts went to the pit, fillies kept for breeding or sold to Amercian studs.
Regarding Londonderry pit ponies. This is somewhat vague but many years ago I went to some islands just off mainland Shetland, a small ferry trip from Lerwick, by the names of Bressay & Noss. One had at some stage been owned by the Londonderry”s or leased by them, presumably to breed ponies.
Does anyone know anything about the breeding of shetlandponies on Wynyard Hall? The 5th and 6th Marquesse where famous for breeding Shetland ponies. They bred ponies for the minning industries they owned. Today almost all Shetland ponies trace back to their ponies. Hope somebody can give me information about this.
Colonel John Wynyard married Iritana of Maori descent, she was the granddaughter of TeWhatanui and daughter of Tewhetoi Pomare of Ngapuhi where they lived in Karetu in the Bay of Islands and left numerous descendants. John and Iritana had a daughter Heni who married Kipa Skipwith who was the son of Robert Francis D”estoteville Skipwith of England but whose family resided in Amerca and had set set up the Prestwould foundation in Virginia. Heni Wynyard is my great grandmother. Captain Robert Wynyard is buried beside the Chief Patuone on Mt Victoria in Devonport Auckland NZ , and was the brother of John.
So sorry, after further research with one of the descendants of Gladwin son of Robert, Iritana married Hori or George Wynyard. At this point in reference to the Devonport Wynyards ( Gladwin’s descendants) family tree which I had sighted, it is he who is buried beside Patuone. My grandfather William Skipwith was raised from infancy by his grandmother Heni Wynyard and was she who referred to her father as Robert not George. The plot thickens.
Having been to the gravesite in Devonport my thoughts are Cappy Wynyard and brother of Patuone are side by side. My grandmother Agnes Pearl was sister to a Miri Wynyard daughters of Robert Henry Wynyard 15.02.1854 died 25.10.1927
Does anyone remember when part of Wynyard Hall was used as a womens college for the Emergency Teachers Training Scheme in 1948/1949 onwards? Or actually attended as students? A Helen Bryers attended there late 1949 through to 1950, and has written letters about it, and the Hall. Many thanks if anyone can help.
Does anyone have any information about the golf course at Wynyard Park which was built for Lord Londonderry? I believe it was constructed in the early 1920″s and was designed by the famous golf course architect Dr Alister Mackenzie. The only reference I have to it is from a 1923 advertisement by Mackenzie where he lists it as one of his courses “WYNYARD PARK (Lord Londonderry”s Course)”. The course no longer exists I understand. Can anybody help me with this?
As a young boy i would go “beating” and help with the pheasant pens on the estate with my Father “Frank Mitchinson (iam Jeremy!) my godfather was head keeper Norman Daggart …… during 1973-1982 i spent some great times on an estate that stood still!…..iam looking for picture galleries of the estate but can”t seem to find any,maybe someone could point me in the right direction? I remember Stan Hutchinson ,he was such a nice man who always made a fuss on me at the old estate club when we played snooker and joked with old “Bayden” the barman!!……..my Mam and Dad would go to the Hutchinson”s for New Years parties.
I understand that my grandfather, Alfred Daniels, worked at Wynyard Hall. He and my grandmother, Margaret (Peggy)Daniels had five children, Jack (John), Madge, Norah, Gwendoline and Clifford (who was killed in a motorbike accident just after the war). My grandmother left and my grandfather had a succession of housekeepers but eventually could not continue looking after the family and they were all separated. My Mum, Gwendoline, went to Barnardos. When I was born in 1948 we went to live with my grandfather who was then working for ICI. He had a little seat and footrests put on his bike and he used to take me to see the Golden Gates. Other family, George Daniels etc, worked for the forestry commission and lived in a tied cottage, I think, somewhere on the estate. My fondest memories are of golden days with my beloved grandfather who died when I was 5. Does anyone remember any of my family? Pearl Rispin (nee Daniels)
Hi Pearl, it is a long time since I visited this site, and I am a little confused. I too am a Daniels, born 1951 and lived with my parents, Jack and Peggy Daniels in a tied cottage at Wynyard. I believe George Daniels was a cousin. I am in touch with another cousin Isobelle who lives at Yarm. What relationship do you think we have. Would love to hear from you. Patricia Stones (nee Daniels)
I was born at Low Newton Hanzard Farm which was farmed by my Dad – Stan, and my Uncle – David. Prior to that, it was farmed by my Grandfather – Mathew Brown Hutchinson. I went to school at Wynyard and remember Lady Londonderry presenting the cups at Sports Day. Sadly, when Lord Londonderry sold the estate to John Hall, my Dad and Uncle had to leave the farm they had spent most of their lives on.
My sister was educated as an incumbent of Wynyard Hall in the early Sixties which as I understand was partially leased to Durham County Council and used as a Teachers Training College. I along with my parents had many a visit where the hall and lands (excluding the lake and lawns thereto) were accessible to both residents and visitors. I mostly remember the beautifully decorated coach for four (I think) and oil paintings that resided and were hung in the entrance hall. I also remember having to make a quick exodus off the service road to the yard as (Miss) Lady Londonderry exited in her TR2. Memories. Yours, H Chris Spreckley Manchester.
My Great Grandparents lived at Golden Gates. My Great Grandfather, James Holmes, was the Mason for the Estate. Their daughter, Edith, worked at the Hall as a maid and later as the gate keeper. My Father lived with them for a lot of his younger life. I am not sure of the dates but my Gt Grandfather died at Wynyard in 1934. My Gt. Aunt died at Golden Gates, 1971. We spent a lot of time at the Gates with her, walking her dog, going to watch the cricket matches and also the clay shooting. The Stockton Show was held in the park which was a great event (or so we thought cos we were kids at the time)
My mother’s cousin, Herbert Bottomley, married Emily Holmes whose sister lived in one of the lodges at the Golden Gates. I’m not sure but the name Edith rings a bell. I never met her but my parents told me about her. I am the archivist for the Thorpe Thewles History Group and I would like to correspond with you. I don’t live in Thorpe. I live in School Aycliffe some distance away. I hope to hear from you. BG
Benjamin, Colonel Robert Wynyard was born at Windsor castle. It was in fact his son Gladwin that married Marore , and had a child (Bella Aitu Wynyard)that was taken to Taranaki, I have a newspaper article about Taunatapu Annie Roach about this event.
Anne Young. It seems as though we are related from somewhere down the line. I have a document of the Walker Ancestry and the name Robinson Walker appears in it quite a lot. The most recent that I find and fits with your version of Wynyard is Robinson Walker christened 24th Jan 1872 at St Mary”s Norton and buried Nov 12th 1931 at St James Church, Grindon. He was a Stonemason at Wynyard. It also states a William Walker married Ada Louise in the 1901 census. with family George 14yrs, Alfred 13yrs, Robinson 8yrs, Ada L 5yrs and Rebecca 1yr. If you are interested in this document you could probably get in touch with me through this site. My relationship is by my Grandfather Jackson Walker who was born in 1878 and died 1964. He was a Market Gardener working from 10 Ragworth Place with fields in Norton and a stall in Stockton Market. The census for 1901 is 6 Beaumont Street which I think is Hartlepool.
My grandfather Robinson Walker and his wife Jane Anne lived in Golden gates lodge at wynyard around early 1900s my grandmother Annie and her sister Olive grew up on the estate, my gran Annie married David Hutchinson,the family lived on the estate farms my mother Doris Hutchinson was born on Newton Hanzard in 1923
MY FATHER DID SOME CHAUFFEURING FOR THE lONDONDERRY FAMILY BEFORE THE WAR,& ON AT LEAST ONE OCCASION HE HAD TO PICK UP VON RIBBENTROP IN lONDON & DRIVE HIM UP TO WYNYARD,HE DESCRIBED HIM AS ARROGANT, ALOOF & VERY UNFRIENDLY, DURING THE SUNDAY MORNING SERVICE AT DURHAM CATHEDRAL ,VON RIBBENTROP CAME TO ATTENTION & GAVE THE NAZI SALUTE, TO A HYMN WHICH HAD THE SAME TUNE AS DEUTSCHLAND UBER ALLES.
The Marquis of Londonderry”s family name is Stewart not Wynyard, Benjamin. The Wynyard estate came into the possession of the family through marriage by the third Marquis to a Vane-Tempest. I doubt if Wynyard Hall has any connection to a Colonel Wynyard.
I am writing to you in regards to the name Wynyard. My grandmother and other family members have told me that we come from the same line as the Wynyard family. My grandmother now 89 years old, would tell me about her family history and where her family came from. She is of Native Maori decent but also has explained her European links. It was understood that her great-grandmother was a daughter of Colonel Wynyard, who came to New Zealand during the Civil war. It was to my understanding that the birth of my ancestor was not marital. When the birth of his child was received, he then took the child from the Taranaki people and took her back to Auckland, where later the Taranaki people went to Auckland and brought the child back. It was there that Colonel Wynyard left his coat of arms with his child. It is believed today that a family member still has the original flag. It was given so that she would remember her father’s routes. If you have any information regarding anything along the lines of this, it would be greatly appreciated
My great grandmothers family worked on theWwynyard estate in the mid 1800″s their name was “Cree”, does anyone out there have any information about them?
My father was a gardner – sometimes chauffeur – for Lord Londonderry at Wynyard Hall. In the 1940″s we used to take our boiled, coloured paste Easter eggs to roll down a hill in Wynyard grounds. One of my father”s (George Brown) worst jobs was to collect and burn the rabbits that had died of Mixamotosis. I remember an incident involving Lord Londonderrys” son who drove his fathers brand new Humber Snipe Station wagon into the huge wooden garage doors. He went forwards instead of reversing. I live in Queensland, Australia on Waterloo Bay in a town called Wellington Point….both Waterloo and Wellington being names associated with Wynyard. y email address is dorothybrown2@hotmail.com I”d love to hear from anyone who remembers Dot Brown. I lived in Billingham and went to Secondary Modern 1946-56.
Edward Prince of Wales later Edward VII was a frequent visitor to Wynyard ,1880-1904 with his female “friends A formal postcard exsists of Edward and three of his “Friends” , including Mrs Keppel , who was at his death-bed ,at the request of Queen Alexander .
Re Duke of Wellington – The Duke visited Stockton and Wynyard Sept 24th 1827 as part of his nation wide tour , Wynyard in particular as Lord Londonderry served on his staff in the Peninsular War (Spain) 1808-1814. and presented him with “Copenhagen” a horse which was to carry the Duke through many battles including Waterloo. In honour of his visit the carriage procession passing through Norton, a house of the Londonderry”s was named Wellington House (still in High street) Lord Londonderry had a 127 ft obeelisk erected in the grounds of Wynyard Hall bearing a plate: WELLINGTON A FRIEND of LONDONDERRY. An aside to this visit – The Directors of the new Stockton & Darlington Railway were asked “NOT TO RUN THEIR STEAM LOCOMOTIVE DURING THE CARRIAGE PROCESSION FROM YARM, AS IT MAY FRIGHTEN THE HORSES OR PANIC THE VAST CROWD ASSEMBLED”
Does anyone have any information on the visit of the Duke of Wellington in 1827 ? I”ve heard a rumour that Stockton provided a large number of volunteers for the Waterloo campaign and he felt obliged to visit the area.
I lived in a former gardeners cottage (or bothy) not far from the hall. I was married here in 1984, the Londonderry chapel is just to the right of the photograph. Our reception was held in the Mirror Room off the hall (overlooking the lake) and we also used the impressive Statue Galley which is just beyond the main entrance shown in this photograph. In a last attempt to raise some income from his estate, Lord Londonderry had just renovated the huge public rooms on the ground floor of the hall. These rooms were available for hire for balls etc. My wife and I were responsible for the selling of wine for larger functions. Lord Londonderry is a very private man and I think he was never at ease with the public using his house and grounds, a couple of years later he sold the Wynyard estate to Sir John Hall. During the Londonderry years, the house was visited by many important people including the Royal Family, Von Ribbentrop (German Foriegn Minister 1938-45) and Mick Jagger!!
I have a few books on the subject of Wynyard and its history. The most interesting volume is called ‘The Londonderry Album’ and is a collection of photographs that came to light in the late 1970’s, but originated from around 1900 when Wynyard was at the height of its influence. The book includes photographs of the family, house guests (including royalty), estate workers and buildings.
The book should be finished fairly soon and could be published June/July. I would love to get in touch with Norman Daggett, gamekeeper, if anyone can help. Or anyone else with pictures of Wynyard, especially of servants, working people etc.
Dorothy – Robert Brown Hutchinson was my grandad and when he retired, we moved into the bigger farm house. So yes, George Daniels worked after your husband.
Patricia – I would say he’s about 70 give or take a few years?!
Norma – My dad and brother had to move off the farm because of the Wynyard Hall development. I was just watching a dvd of the farm sale the other day, and there was a bit of film of John Hall talking about the tens of thousands of jobs that development at Wynyard would bring – well we’re still waiting for them! Good luck with your book anyway – did you know that there is a book about Wynyard?
Fascinating to read these memories. I am a member of Sedgefield Local History Group. We are busy writing, at Sir John Hall’s request, a book about the history of Wynard Hall and the people associated with it. I’m also interested in Wynyard as a training college. My husband’s aunt (Olwyn Foxton) was a student there in the late 40s/early 50s and I know there is a reunion group who have met annually for a long time but may have to stop soon. If anybody has photos, info, stories about their time there, I’d love to see and hear them.
I think Goerge Daniels may be my cousin, do you know how old he is and if he still lives at Sedgefield. Do you also know anything about his family. What type of work did he do and what age would he have been then. Look forward to hearing from you.
My husband used to work for R. B. Hutchinson for about 5 years from 1945, and he remembers a Daniels working for Mr Shepard at Close Farm, So George Daniels must have worked for your Dad and your Uncle David after I left, please correct me if I am wrong.
A George Daniels used to work for my Dad at Low Newton Hanzard, Wynyard. He actually lives in Sedgefield now.
PEARL RISPIN, YOUR ARTICLE WAS VERY INTERESTING, I WONDER IF WE ARE RELATED. MY MOTHER AND FATHER JACK AND PEGGY DANIELS LIVED AT WYNYARD, I THINK ABOUT 1950’S. I WAS BORN 1951 AT SEDGEFIELD. I HAD AN OLDER BROTHER CALLED JOHN DANIELS AND HE CAN REMEMBER LIVING IN A TIN HUT HE CALLED IT, THERE WERE 5 OF US DANIEL CHILDREN AND MY DAD WORKED AT ICI AT BILLINGHAM. I THINK I ALSO HAD A COUSIN CALLED GEORGE DANIELS. MY MUM DIED AND WE WERE SENT TO A CHILDRENS HOME. PLEASE GET IN TOUCH WITH ME.
Hi Patricia, Yes your Uncle Jack was my Mum Gwen’s brother. There was Norah, Madge (Marjorie), Gwendoline (Gwen) Jack and Clifford. Clifford died just after war. Then Nana (Peggy) remarried to Alfred’s brother Alan and had Arthur, Rose, Isobel and Alan, who was always called Micky. Only Isobel and Micky are still alive. I remember moving into your house with my Mum so she could look after you children after your Mum died but then my Mum was expecting so had to move out and your family split up. Is there a Susan and a Vanessa in your family. I remember John I think, was he the eldest? Best regards. Pearl
Hi Pearl, Susan is my sister and yes John was the eldest brother, I would love to communicate with you could you e mail me please.
I know Lenny Tinkler, who is in his late 70s. He lives at Norton, and is married to my friend Jean. He is an active member of the RAFA club at Stockton.
Edwina, were your Tinklers related to the Tinkler Family of Palmerston Street, Stockton on Tees. Alice Tinkler married to Jack Tinkler was my grandmothers niece. She was married to Jack or George who died around 1963 as far as I know. Alice died in 1977. There is still a son, Lenny, around in Stockton or Billingham, he would be in his late 70S now.
My Mother’s maiden name was Tinkler, and her father George, was the son of a young girl who was employed at Wynyard Hall. Her name was Annie Tinkler. Grandad would have been born in the late 1880’s. We never found out who his father was, but whoever it was, a husband was found for my great grandmother. This man’s name was Lake and he had three other children. My grandfather kept the name Tinkler. When my grandfather grew up a job was obtained for him as a mounted guard at Buckingham Palace. As a small child growing up in Billingham I used to play with his plumed helmet which sat in the unlit fireplace. I always thought that the family of his father was keeping an eye out for him and his mother Annie. I would love to find out more of this story. If it rings any bells please get in touch with me via the Picture Stockton Team. I live in Canada now, and am thrilled to find this site. I noticed that another person has mentioned a George Tinkler too (but he was a different age and did not marry my grandmother), whose name was Jean Hillditch nee Seaman.
Wynyard Hall was definitely used as a teachers training college for women.In 1960 as sixth formers from Stockton Grammar School we were taken by bus one evening to see a show put on by the young ladies.It was great.But one of our number, Jim Turnbull, decided to go on his cycle motor, which unfortunaly packed up on the way back to Stockton (Cycle motors were a bike which had a small engine over the back wheel. They would do a speed of about 15 mph uphill or down)
I was wanting to know more about my whakapapa, I am the descendant of Whiro Ratahi which is Te Ratahi Ratahi an Ngaperas Son who are my great great great great grandparents. I belong to Tamure Tony Ratahi which is my grandfather (Rangikakura Ratahi & Ria Hapi’s Son) Tamure Married Annette Weston who is my grandmother (both deceased)My mother was Gaylene Ratahi. Can anyone help as I now have a daughter and want to tell her one day about who she is and where she comes from.
All this information is fascinating. I currently live in a house in Wolviston which I believe was built by Lord Londenderry circa 1860. If anyone has any information about Lord Londenderry’s estate he buit up around Wolviston I’d be really interested!
Re this comment: Colonel Robert Wynyard was born at Windsor castle. It was in fact his son Gladwin that married Marore , and had a child (Bella Aitu Wynyard)that was taken to Taranaki, I have a newspaper article about Taunatapu Annie Roach about this event.
Taunatapu was my grandmother and to clarify – the newspaper article was written without general authentication from the immediate family. Robert Henry is in fact the father of Marore and they never married. Her extended family took both mother and child back to Taranaki where they remained. My g’mother only ever recorded him as Kanara (Colonel)Robert Henry Wynyard. Their daughter was Ngapera Bella Marore He Moata Aitu who married Te Ratahi Ratahi. There is a lot of information out there if this is the line wanting to be searched. Hope this clarifies it.
Hi Dianne,
Im a little confused you have said that Maorore is the daughter of Robert but they never married?? Ive always thought that Ngapera was the daughter of Robert, but other sources are saying that Gladwyn is the father?? I am off to windsor castle next week hoping to get some information. Marore is the mother of Ngapera. My grandmother is the grand-daughter of Mauriri Nuku and daughter of Tame Mauriri but whangai to Tomehoki Rongonui.
Yes, that’s what happens when you go too fast! Marore and RHW had Ngapera who married Ratahi. There is a written recording in the files at Puke Ariki New Plymouth form Taunatapu recorded in 1965 giving her whakapapa.
Dianne , how can I contact you in regards to receiving a copy of that book with the whakapapa on it? regards
Please contact Picture Stockton and they will give you my email address.
I am a history student at University in the united States. I am working on a research project on British country houses during the Second World war. I am interested in learning about the experiences of people who lived, worked and were stationed in Britain’s stately homes during the war.
I am working on researching Lord and Lady Londonderry’s estate at Wynyard Park during the war.
I am trying to find anyone with memoires of Wynyard Park during the 1930’s and 1940’s. The Picture stockton team can provide you with my email address.
It’s a long time since you left this message but are you still interested in the activities of folk around the Wynyard Estate? I have links with friends now gone that were born in the Park in the late 1800’s (84 myself as now). Bill A.
Are you the Bill Allison from the ICI training centre?
Yes Craig. Still at Thorpe Thewles.
Hello Bill. Researching my family history, I found that my grandmother – Mary Jarvis (ladies maid to Lady Londonderry) who was the daughter of Charles Jarvis the Coachman at Wynyard in 1901. She married my grandfather, James Bone, and went to live with him in Ireland where he was Butler to the Marquess of Waterford at Curraghmore Estate. They had three children Jim, Frank (my father) and Helen. In 1917 he died of pneumonia after attempting to rescue the stud groom’s son who had fallen through the ice on the salmon leap. I am trying to find out what happened to his widow and children and wonder if they returned to the Wynyard area or to Seaham Hall (I remember going there as a child to visit Aunt Rose who lived in a mews cottage in the stable yard)
Thanks for the information, Frank. Norman always spoke about his wife as if she was the backbone of his family. When I was last at Normans he showed me books and photo albums of photos of Wynyard hall, staff and the King and Queen and Old Winston. I just hope one day someone like Stockton Council can get there hands on them and show them to the public as it would be a shame if they were ever destroyed – its not just Local history but British history
I went to school with Norman”s son Ernie but lost touch when he joined the REME and I joined the RAF. I remember once helping with feeding the hounds – they ate raw tripe that was still green in colour. No point in bleaching it for the dogs; they ain”t that fussy!
Your Mum must have worked for Lord Londonderry who owned the place Debra and she would have known my Aunt Muriel who used to be housekeeper. Funny you should mention Georgie fame, even down to the famous skinny dipping in the lake! I was wondering if anyone can remember Old Norman Dagget, the estate game keeper – last time I went to see him was about 11 years ago when he was living in a bungalow in Chilton, so wondering if he is still alive?
I also lived in one of the gardeners cottages (next door to Tim Hall and was actually his bridesmaid at his wedding held in Wynyard Hall). My mam worked at Wynyard Hall before I was born and pulled Georgie Fame out of bed on many an occasion!! I later moved to Billingham at the age of nine and went on to work for Sir John Hall in the site office (aka the Kennels cottages) when he bought the estate in later years. I have to say for all we had to decorate our old cottage repeatedly to keep away the damp coming through the walls – I find it sad to see it in its current modern “concrete jungle” condition
I am doing my family history and have found out that my grandparents were involved with Wynyard Hall. On their marriage certificate from the Parish Church of Grindon on 16th June, 1917 it states that George Henry Tinkler, Farm Labourer aged 45 and Agnes Dawson, aged 20 were resident at Wynyard Station. From family hearsay I think that they worked for the family. Does anyone have any information or know of any archive material I could use to help continue my journey?
Neil Pallister, Sorry to be the bearer of sad news but Duncan Radburn died a few years ago,I used to call in his shop every morning for a newspaper on my way to work. After he left the shop he had a Garden Centre near to Wolviston Cricket Club.
Regarding recent postings on Wynyard Hall, I have vivid memories of this estate from 1957-8. In Wolviston village there was a newsgent/sweet/tobaconnist shop called Radburn”s. I worked for Duncan Radburne every Sunday, delivering newspapers to outlying areas. It involved getting up at 5.00 AM and finishing around noon. I carried a full canvas bag of papers, about 30lbs I would guess, on the handlebars of my bike in all weathers! My first load was to Newton Bewley, about 2 miles away, dropping off papers to various houses and farms on the way, and then in the village itself. Then back to the shop for another load covering Wolviston village. Then back for a third load. This took me along Wynyard Road towards Thorpe Thewles. About 3 miles alonng this road was the magnificent “Golden Gates” entry to Lord Londonderry”s estate. I delivered papers to all kinds of ancillary buildings where estate workers were living – the Gatehouse, the Kennels (though the hounds were long gone), the Dairy (where the milking and butter-making went on), and then to Wynyard Hall itself. I remember peeking into the wonderful great entrance hall, with its guilded coaches, suits of armour and other relics of earlier glory. I actually delivered the papers to the maids in the huge kitchen facility. Lord Londonderry was seldom there, I believe, but there were always a few employees around. From there I continued delivering through the estate for a couple of miles or so, eventually coming out at another fine gated entrance on the Sedgefield road, the A689, or Coal Lane as it was called, leading back to Wolviston. After about a year of this I turned 17 and my Dad bought me a motorcycle (James, 197cc). I did the same route with the bag of papers resting on the petrol tank. (I”m sure the police would not allow that today!) All this for ten bob, later twelve and a tanner, though in those years it seemed a princely sum to a young lad! Duncan Radburn was a fine man. I wonder if he is still alive? He”d be in his late eighties I imagine.
Re Londonderry”s ponies, I can now supply the odd fact. The Londonderry Stud was established in 1870 and the Marquis leased the island of Noss (next to Bressay) from 1871 to 1900. At first it seemed he utlised the stock of the Bressay crofters, running their mares with his own stallions from facilities he built on Noss. Foals which were colts went to the pit, fillies kept for breeding or sold to Amercian studs.
Regarding Londonderry pit ponies. This is somewhat vague but many years ago I went to some islands just off mainland Shetland, a small ferry trip from Lerwick, by the names of Bressay & Noss. One had at some stage been owned by the Londonderry”s or leased by them, presumably to breed ponies.
Does anyone know anything about the breeding of shetlandponies on Wynyard Hall? The 5th and 6th Marquesse where famous for breeding Shetland ponies. They bred ponies for the minning industries they owned. Today almost all Shetland ponies trace back to their ponies. Hope somebody can give me information about this.
Colonel John Wynyard married Iritana of Maori descent, she was the granddaughter of TeWhatanui and daughter of Tewhetoi Pomare of Ngapuhi where they lived in Karetu in the Bay of Islands and left numerous descendants. John and Iritana had a daughter Heni who married Kipa Skipwith who was the son of Robert Francis D”estoteville Skipwith of England but whose family resided in Amerca and had set set up the Prestwould foundation in Virginia. Heni Wynyard is my great grandmother. Captain Robert Wynyard is buried beside the Chief Patuone on Mt Victoria in Devonport Auckland NZ , and was the brother of John.
Are you talking about Colonel Robert Wynyard ? or a Captain Wynyard , I know Gladwyn is burried in Auckland but Colonel Wynyard is buried in Bath, UK.
So sorry, after further research with one of the descendants of Gladwin son of Robert, Iritana married Hori or George Wynyard. At this point in reference to the Devonport Wynyards ( Gladwin’s descendants) family tree which I had sighted, it is he who is buried beside Patuone. My grandfather William Skipwith was raised from infancy by his grandmother Heni Wynyard and was she who referred to her father as Robert not George. The plot thickens.
Having been to the gravesite in Devonport my thoughts are Cappy Wynyard and brother of Patuone are side by side. My grandmother Agnes Pearl was sister to a Miri Wynyard daughters of Robert Henry Wynyard 15.02.1854 died 25.10.1927
Does anyone remember when part of Wynyard Hall was used as a womens college for the Emergency Teachers Training Scheme in 1948/1949 onwards? Or actually attended as students? A Helen Bryers attended there late 1949 through to 1950, and has written letters about it, and the Hall. Many thanks if anyone can help.
Does anyone have any information about the golf course at Wynyard Park which was built for Lord Londonderry? I believe it was constructed in the early 1920″s and was designed by the famous golf course architect Dr Alister Mackenzie. The only reference I have to it is from a 1923 advertisement by Mackenzie where he lists it as one of his courses “WYNYARD PARK (Lord Londonderry”s Course)”. The course no longer exists I understand. Can anybody help me with this?
As a young boy i would go “beating” and help with the pheasant pens on the estate with my Father “Frank Mitchinson (iam Jeremy!) my godfather was head keeper Norman Daggart …… during 1973-1982 i spent some great times on an estate that stood still!…..iam looking for picture galleries of the estate but can”t seem to find any,maybe someone could point me in the right direction? I remember Stan Hutchinson ,he was such a nice man who always made a fuss on me at the old estate club when we played snooker and joked with old “Bayden” the barman!!……..my Mam and Dad would go to the Hutchinson”s for New Years parties.
Hi Jerry do you remember me Norman’s lad?
I understand that my grandfather, Alfred Daniels, worked at Wynyard Hall. He and my grandmother, Margaret (Peggy)Daniels had five children, Jack (John), Madge, Norah, Gwendoline and Clifford (who was killed in a motorbike accident just after the war). My grandmother left and my grandfather had a succession of housekeepers but eventually could not continue looking after the family and they were all separated. My Mum, Gwendoline, went to Barnardos. When I was born in 1948 we went to live with my grandfather who was then working for ICI. He had a little seat and footrests put on his bike and he used to take me to see the Golden Gates. Other family, George Daniels etc, worked for the forestry commission and lived in a tied cottage, I think, somewhere on the estate. My fondest memories are of golden days with my beloved grandfather who died when I was 5. Does anyone remember any of my family? Pearl Rispin (nee Daniels)
Hi Pearl, it is a long time since I visited this site, and I am a little confused. I too am a Daniels, born 1951 and lived with my parents, Jack and Peggy Daniels in a tied cottage at Wynyard. I believe George Daniels was a cousin. I am in touch with another cousin Isobelle who lives at Yarm. What relationship do you think we have. Would love to hear from you. Patricia Stones (nee Daniels)
I was born at Low Newton Hanzard Farm which was farmed by my Dad – Stan, and my Uncle – David. Prior to that, it was farmed by my Grandfather – Mathew Brown Hutchinson. I went to school at Wynyard and remember Lady Londonderry presenting the cups at Sports Day. Sadly, when Lord Londonderry sold the estate to John Hall, my Dad and Uncle had to leave the farm they had spent most of their lives on.
My sister was educated as an incumbent of Wynyard Hall in the early Sixties which as I understand was partially leased to Durham County Council and used as a Teachers Training College. I along with my parents had many a visit where the hall and lands (excluding the lake and lawns thereto) were accessible to both residents and visitors. I mostly remember the beautifully decorated coach for four (I think) and oil paintings that resided and were hung in the entrance hall. I also remember having to make a quick exodus off the service road to the yard as (Miss) Lady Londonderry exited in her TR2. Memories. Yours, H Chris Spreckley Manchester.
The more recent owners Sir John and Lady Hall are in fact my great uncle and great aunty!
My Great Grandparents lived at Golden Gates. My Great Grandfather, James Holmes, was the Mason for the Estate. Their daughter, Edith, worked at the Hall as a maid and later as the gate keeper. My Father lived with them for a lot of his younger life. I am not sure of the dates but my Gt Grandfather died at Wynyard in 1934. My Gt. Aunt died at Golden Gates, 1971. We spent a lot of time at the Gates with her, walking her dog, going to watch the cricket matches and also the clay shooting. The Stockton Show was held in the park which was a great event (or so we thought cos we were kids at the time)
My mother’s cousin, Herbert Bottomley, married Emily Holmes whose sister lived in one of the lodges at the Golden Gates. I’m not sure but the name Edith rings a bell. I never met her but my parents told me about her. I am the archivist for the Thorpe Thewles History Group and I would like to correspond with you. I don’t live in Thorpe. I live in School Aycliffe some distance away. I hope to hear from you. BG
Benjamin, Colonel Robert Wynyard was born at Windsor castle. It was in fact his son Gladwin that married Marore , and had a child (Bella Aitu Wynyard)that was taken to Taranaki, I have a newspaper article about Taunatapu Annie Roach about this event.
Anne Young. It seems as though we are related from somewhere down the line. I have a document of the Walker Ancestry and the name Robinson Walker appears in it quite a lot. The most recent that I find and fits with your version of Wynyard is Robinson Walker christened 24th Jan 1872 at St Mary”s Norton and buried Nov 12th 1931 at St James Church, Grindon. He was a Stonemason at Wynyard. It also states a William Walker married Ada Louise in the 1901 census. with family George 14yrs, Alfred 13yrs, Robinson 8yrs, Ada L 5yrs and Rebecca 1yr. If you are interested in this document you could probably get in touch with me through this site. My relationship is by my Grandfather Jackson Walker who was born in 1878 and died 1964. He was a Market Gardener working from 10 Ragworth Place with fields in Norton and a stall in Stockton Market. The census for 1901 is 6 Beaumont Street which I think is Hartlepool.
My grandfather Robinson Walker and his wife Jane Anne lived in Golden gates lodge at wynyard around early 1900s my grandmother Annie and her sister Olive grew up on the estate, my gran Annie married David Hutchinson,the family lived on the estate farms my mother Doris Hutchinson was born on Newton Hanzard in 1923
MY FATHER DID SOME CHAUFFEURING FOR THE lONDONDERRY FAMILY BEFORE THE WAR,& ON AT LEAST ONE OCCASION HE HAD TO PICK UP VON RIBBENTROP IN lONDON & DRIVE HIM UP TO WYNYARD,HE DESCRIBED HIM AS ARROGANT, ALOOF & VERY UNFRIENDLY, DURING THE SUNDAY MORNING SERVICE AT DURHAM CATHEDRAL ,VON RIBBENTROP CAME TO ATTENTION & GAVE THE NAZI SALUTE, TO A HYMN WHICH HAD THE SAME TUNE AS DEUTSCHLAND UBER ALLES.
The word “Wynyard” simply means “walled garden”. Quite appropriate in this case. I was married here in 1984.
The Marquis of Londonderry”s family name is Stewart not Wynyard, Benjamin. The Wynyard estate came into the possession of the family through marriage by the third Marquis to a Vane-Tempest. I doubt if Wynyard Hall has any connection to a Colonel Wynyard.
I am writing to you in regards to the name Wynyard. My grandmother and other family members have told me that we come from the same line as the Wynyard family. My grandmother now 89 years old, would tell me about her family history and where her family came from. She is of Native Maori decent but also has explained her European links. It was understood that her great-grandmother was a daughter of Colonel Wynyard, who came to New Zealand during the Civil war. It was to my understanding that the birth of my ancestor was not marital. When the birth of his child was received, he then took the child from the Taranaki people and took her back to Auckland, where later the Taranaki people went to Auckland and brought the child back. It was there that Colonel Wynyard left his coat of arms with his child. It is believed today that a family member still has the original flag. It was given so that she would remember her father’s routes. If you have any information regarding anything along the lines of this, it would be greatly appreciated
My great grandmothers family worked on theWwynyard estate in the mid 1800″s their name was “Cree”, does anyone out there have any information about them?
Has anyone any information about the history of the two Lodge Gate Houses on the Wynyard Estate situated on the A689. Thankyou.
My father was a gardner – sometimes chauffeur – for Lord Londonderry at Wynyard Hall. In the 1940″s we used to take our boiled, coloured paste Easter eggs to roll down a hill in Wynyard grounds. One of my father”s (George Brown) worst jobs was to collect and burn the rabbits that had died of Mixamotosis. I remember an incident involving Lord Londonderrys” son who drove his fathers brand new Humber Snipe Station wagon into the huge wooden garage doors. He went forwards instead of reversing. I live in Queensland, Australia on Waterloo Bay in a town called Wellington Point….both Waterloo and Wellington being names associated with Wynyard. y email address is dorothybrown2@hotmail.com I”d love to hear from anyone who remembers Dot Brown. I lived in Billingham and went to Secondary Modern 1946-56.
Are you related to Stanley & Doreen Brown of 11 Middleton Avenue, Billingham?
Edward Prince of Wales later Edward VII was a frequent visitor to Wynyard ,1880-1904 with his female “friends A formal postcard exsists of Edward and three of his “Friends” , including Mrs Keppel , who was at his death-bed ,at the request of Queen Alexander .
My Uncle once told me that it was here that members of the royal family often brought their “paramours” – although those weren”t the words he used!
Re Duke of Wellington – The Duke visited Stockton and Wynyard Sept 24th 1827 as part of his nation wide tour , Wynyard in particular as Lord Londonderry served on his staff in the Peninsular War (Spain) 1808-1814. and presented him with “Copenhagen” a horse which was to carry the Duke through many battles including Waterloo. In honour of his visit the carriage procession passing through Norton, a house of the Londonderry”s was named Wellington House (still in High street) Lord Londonderry had a 127 ft obeelisk erected in the grounds of Wynyard Hall bearing a plate: WELLINGTON A FRIEND of LONDONDERRY. An aside to this visit – The Directors of the new Stockton & Darlington Railway were asked “NOT TO RUN THEIR STEAM LOCOMOTIVE DURING THE CARRIAGE PROCESSION FROM YARM, AS IT MAY FRIGHTEN THE HORSES OR PANIC THE VAST CROWD ASSEMBLED”
Does anyone have any information on the visit of the Duke of Wellington in 1827 ? I”ve heard a rumour that Stockton provided a large number of volunteers for the Waterloo campaign and he felt obliged to visit the area.
I lived in a former gardeners cottage (or bothy) not far from the hall. I was married here in 1984, the Londonderry chapel is just to the right of the photograph. Our reception was held in the Mirror Room off the hall (overlooking the lake) and we also used the impressive Statue Galley which is just beyond the main entrance shown in this photograph. In a last attempt to raise some income from his estate, Lord Londonderry had just renovated the huge public rooms on the ground floor of the hall. These rooms were available for hire for balls etc. My wife and I were responsible for the selling of wine for larger functions. Lord Londonderry is a very private man and I think he was never at ease with the public using his house and grounds, a couple of years later he sold the Wynyard estate to Sir John Hall. During the Londonderry years, the house was visited by many important people including the Royal Family, Von Ribbentrop (German Foriegn Minister 1938-45) and Mick Jagger!!