Archives Dig Up Past for Whalton Manor - September 21st 2010
Staff in the Northumberland Archives at Woodhorn are still excited about the role they played in the very recent publication of a book about the fascinating Whalton Manor, west of Morpeth.
The book is the culmination of an arts and heritage project called Traces & Graces, created by performing arts company November Club, with the support of the Greater Morpeth Development Trust and the Heritage Lottery Fund. It included a number of delightful performances in Whalton for Heritage Open Days 2009 as well as the historical research. Photographs and documents of Whalton Manor and the village of Whalton itself were collected and collated by the Woodhorn staff. Lynn-Marie Early was one of the archivists working on the project.
“We had many documents and deeds to sort through and list,” said Lynn-Marie. “Some were in old English from the 17th century and some were even in Latin. We were absolutely thrilled to discover additional information about the Manor within the archives at Woodhorn, and in particular, stunning original remodelling drawings from 1908 by renowned architect Sir Edwin L Lutyens. The plans had been produced for the Mrs. Eustace Smith who lived there at the time.”
Lynn-Marie is keen to point out that everyone could research their property or family history. “Our records here at Woodhorn aren’t just for big houses or famous people. We have all kinds of plans, maps and documents that might help with property research, and lots of directories and registers that can help trace and place individuals. We also offer free access to the popular ancestry websites. Our website www.experiencewoodhorn.com gives lots of information on how to get started.
“It was a pleasure to be involved with the Whalton project,” said Lynn-Marie. “One of the fascinating discoveries for me was the continuity of families in the village. Some current family names were in the village in the 17th century! And of course the Manor plans.”
Copies of the Whalton book can viewed at Woodhorn as well as public libraries.