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Hi Roberto
Great to hear about George Stainthorpe, do you know what years he was the inn keeper? John Simpson was there in 1861 age 32 his wife Catherine and children Charles 2 Sarah 6 months. They had a servant Margaret Layton age 13! The original part of the building is said to be haunted (we had a meal in there last Sunday to celebrate our sons birthday) The is a photograph in there which could maybe be George or John, certainly very old.The Northern Echo wrote in 1969 - A historic pub celebrates its 250th anniversary this weekend. Colin Hostein the manager said there was some debate about its name changing from Hark unto Blue Cap. In the early part of the century the pub was just a couple of rooms in a converted cottage. ( the room we ate in was one of them and they use the other for a small office) So that makes 3 former managers we know up to now. I'll call again at some stage and see if the present manager has anythin to add.
Regards Jean 4

Hi Candma,
Many thanks, it did work, also I did get the library book. I was pleased that you could give me an approximate date of the other picture. The ladies at Darlington archives gave me coppies of newspaper articles which proves the original name. The waitress said that their office is part of the original building, the story goes that a chef died in there after cutting his leg!!!!! Also a lady haunts the old part.
Lets get back to 'your' book. A great Uncle of mine (William Humberstone) was killed the first day of the Somme. He had lived at The Green, Gainford with his wife and six children. With the help of 'your' book and an elderly Gainford resident, I have a good idea where they lived. (Where Emily and his children went is another matter)
Regards and thanks again
Jean

There is a pub/restaurant at High Coniscliffe near Darlington called the Spotted Dog. In 1861 it was called 'Hark unto Blue Cap' with 'my' John Simpson as the publican. I would love an old photo of it. (The local library/archive dont seem to have one).
Regards Jean

Hi Jan & Pels
Thank you both, that was lots of unexpected information. My cousin and are gathering as much information as we can before spending a day going to Durham archives. I loved the photo and fancy bits, (skills still to learn).
Regards Jean