My Family Wall ....

[Ruskie]

Do you think it would be worthwhile contacting the National Trust to see what their intentiions are and ask for the "graffiti" to be preserved?

I wonder if they always knew the writing was there, or if they discovered it in the process of renovation? Those streaks look like paint marks (?).

If they had intentions of redecoration, perhaps they could leave the writing and put some glass/perspex to protect it and a spiel explaining who the people are and when they lived there - maybe you could help with that  ?

You know what can happen in these places - they may convert a barn into tea rooms or a souvenier shop .... Having said that, a NT property has got to be one of the best (most likely to be preserved) places to find something of your relatives.

Even better, they could set it up in the way it would have been when your family lived there - now that would be interesting.

Enjoy your next visit!

[justmej]

Along with the e-mail I received, it did say if I had any questions for their archaeologist then not to hesitate in asking .... so that will be one of them ....  "what are their plans for the wall"? 

The Stables have already been renovated and the wall still remains, so hopefully, that will continue.  It does appear to have some patches of newly skimmed plasterwork, up to the point of where the writing is, so it seems they must have intended to 'save' this part of the wall.  Not sure what the white marks resulted from .

Unaware if they already knew about the writing, or if it was discovered when work began .... another question to ask.

Have already sent the N.T. information on the family names, as well as a photograph of my GG.Grandparents.  I had to e-mail the information, as at the time of my visit they switched a tape recorder on, but I was so excited I couldn't remember exactly who was who, so that wouldn't be of much use!

My own family room - now that would be nice!!!!!

justmej

[madpants]

It's a great find justmej!  Lucky you 

I don't think they'll do anything to compromise the wall, at Richmond Castle they've preserved the wall that the CO's signed although I'm not sure if it's open for public viewing.

[Ruskie]

Oh that IS good justmej - and seems to indicate they intend to keep the wall as is. Good luck with it all - and let us know how it goes - I'm so jealous!

[KathMc]

We have a historic landmark near me that fell to ruin and is being restored. It isn't as old, built in the 1920s-ish (a castle built on an island for the love of a wife, who before completion left her husband for another man -- rumor the contractor). There is tons of graffiti in the building as kids and young adults used to go over when it stood empty to have a good time, explore, party, etc. They are preserving some of it, as part of history and the life of the castle. It all tells a story.

Kath

[justmej]

Sorry to make you jealous .  Will let you know what happens.

Pleased to hear that other places have had their 'graffiti' preserved too.

justmej

[patrexjax]

Hello justmej,  YES, this looks to be yet another "proof" that was  family connections between Gibside and old Hollinside!    How wonderfully exciting for you. I'll study those wall photos closer when I get back home.   What a wonderful find AND how lucky you are that that volunteer really knew the history of Gibside and the families who lived and worked there.  Pat.   

[justmej]

Hi Pat, as you say further 'proof' to the connection between the families, although this lot were a little further down the line.  Will have to check the walls at Hollinside next .

justmej

[patrexjax]

Hello justmej, Yes, by all means, DO check those gorgeous old stone walls that remain at old Hollinside! Family history sometimes can be a combination of serendipity, happenstance, luck and/or a peculiar concatenation of various factors.  In any event, you are truly one fortunate lass!  Pat