Spotted Dog

[jean4]

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

[wotty]

Hope this works

http://www.pbase.com/csdesign/image/59657157

Wotty.

[jean4]

Hi Wotty
Many thanks it sure did work, and everything is coming together. Someone from rootschat recomended a book called 'Around Gainford and Piercebridge' and the first postcard picture is of The Spotted Dog at the turn of the century. The picture you gave me may be earlier. I have now had lunch there and will have to visit again with your picture to see if it is the two Ivy covered buildings at the left of your picture or the last building on the right with a further one story part out of sight.
Thanks again
           Jean

[Candma]

Jean4

Guilty m'lud.  It was me.
I will send a copy of the picture separately, since there will be no breach of copyright.

Also you are correct in that the website picture predates book illustration by around 25 years.

Regards.

[Candma]

Jean
I have been having problems posting the photo promised.
To view please got to http://www.rootschat.com/forum/index.php/topic,142532.150.html

Hope this works.
Regards

[jean4]

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

[Jeffrey]

Hi.
In the book Around Gainford & Piercebridge is there by any chance a picture of Barforth Hall? My ancestors lived there in early 1900's and went to school at Winston.
Would be very interested if there was.

My Aunts used to meet up at the 'Spotted Dog' in the 1950's.

Judy

[Candma]

Hi
There is a woodcut print of the Hall, also St Lawrence Chapel.
Will contact offline.
Regards.

[meles]

I read all this with interest and was pleased to see it had a successful outcome. But can anyone tell me the origin of the curious name "'Hark unto Blue Cap" (and I apologise in advance for being a stupid Southerner if the answer is obvious to locals!)

meles