More North East attractions

Cherryburn, Birthplace of Thomas Bewick, Northumberland (Sept 28th 2006) NT
George Stephenson’s Birthplace, Wylam, Northumberland (Sept 28th 2006) NT
Gibside Chapel and estate, Gateshead, Tyne and Wear (Sept 28th 2006) NT
Bowes Museum, Barnard Castle, County Durham (Sept 29th 2006)

Over the last 2 days we have visited some really emotional places.
Cherryburn deep in the Norhumberland countryside above the River Tyne was home and birthplace of the famous naturalist and engraver Thomas Bewick. The house he was born in is superbly maintained as is the later addition built by his brother. What a view the cottage has, you can see why he walked the 17 miles from Newcastle to get home

Then we visited George Stephenson’s birthplace which was a truly amazing experience, Our guide Margaret really knew her stuff and her enthusiasm was just what you need to get you enthralled. The house, which at the time of his birth in 1781 was 4 tenements, is now a white washed cottage but at the time of his birth 26 people lived in the 4 roomed house (4 families in 4 rooms). George lived with his mother, father, brothers and sisters, 6 people all in one room with only one outside toilet for all 26 people! Its an amazing start to a life and you can only admire how he progressed from an illiterate teenager into father of the railways and further. It is also haunted by an active ghost, named Mabel after George’s mother.

Our next trip was to Gibside in Tyne and Wear, it was the home of John Bowes and his family. The Queen Mother visited Gibsite (being a member of the Bowes Lyons family) the last time being in 1969. The chapel has been lovingly restored with the help of the National Trust and looks spectacular. The Long Walk takes you to the ruins of the Orangery and Gibside Hall - a once majestic looking home now a ruinous shell in a dangerous position of decay, a crying shame. The estate has some walks including one to the Octagonal pond and the Banqueting House (which is a landmark trust holiday cottage J ) it’s a National Trust property well worth a full day exploring.

After the link with John Bowe’s and his wife, Josephine, we decided to spend a morning in Bowes Museum. A purpose built museum open since 1892 and still a major attraction. The building is very French in design and the interior, under renovation, houses some amazing artefacts and paintings. One local exhibit which is hidden beneath the dramatic marble staircase is the stuffed double headed calf, born near High Force and used as part of a freak show. The most famous exhibit has to be the automoton Sliver Swanwhich is now operated twice a day for the public. A museum well worth a visit