Taking advantage of the 'Heritage Days' last weekend, I visited a hall and grounds, which once belonged to the Bowes-Lyons and is now owned by the National Trust. My greatest interest with the estate was that some of my ancestors had lived, worked and died there, so I was eager to visit (again).
I was having a lovely day, seeing all the places and buildings my family had once lived. While having a break in the sunshine, we were approached by a National Trust Volunteer, who enquired if we had travelled far and if it was our first visit. Of course, I just HAD to tell her that my ancestors had once lived in these historic buildings and of course she asked their surnames ...............
Next thing we are being taken upstairs inside one of these buildings, to a part not accessible to the public. Wow!!!! there in front of me was a wall, which has been 'found', where people have written their names, with dates from the late 1800's and even the time of day against some dates and most of these names were MY FAMILY!!! Four, possibly five different surnames appear on this wall, all branches from the same family. What a discovery - I am still in absolute shock

! We were allowed to take photographs and this picture is just a small area of it and although the date appears to be '97' this would be
1897. I need some suggestions as to what the words are before Stark and Maugham - I have an inkling, but as it might be wishful thinking on my part, would like some other opinions.