Washington Old Hall
Click Photo for Slideshow
British and American visitors alike will enjoy visiting the Grade I listed Jacobean manor of Washington Old Hall which was once the ancestral home of George Washington, the first president of the United States.
The first stone hall was built on the site in 1183 by William de Hertburne, who changed his name to William de Wessyngton which eventually evolved into Washington. The family coat of arms was interestingly a shield with two stripes and three red stars, which were clearly of later significance.
In 1613 the family moved to Sulgrave Manor from where George Washington's great-grandfather, John Washington, emigrated to North America.
The current building was largely rebuilt of sandstone in 1613 by the new owner, William
James, the Bishop of Durham. He built it for his son and it remained a fine, moderately sized family residence until the 19th century.
After being converted into flats, Washington Old Hall eventually fell into disrepair and was only saved from demolition by a local teacher, Fred Hill, who organized a group known as the "Friends of the Old Hall" to raise funds to restore this piece of English-American history. The work was completed in 1955 and the Old Hall was handed over to The National Trust in 1957, although there is still an active groups of supporters who run the tearoom.
This stone manor is very picturesque with its south facing walls covered in Boston ivy. Beyond the iron gates is a striking knot garden and informal lawns which are an oasis of tranquility, making it a great day out whatever your particular interest. The old magnolia tree with its waxy leaves is an impressive feature and its white blooms in summer are spectacular.
A tour within Washington Old Hall will reveal the way of life enjoyed
by the gentry following the English Civil War.
Note the twin arches between the hall and the kitchen which date back to the original medieval hall. The authentic furnishings are laid out as 17th century room settings with flagged floors and raftered ceilings.
An oak staircase, carved oak furniture and excellent oil paintings decorate the family home. Exhibitis and souvenirs of George Washington and his role in the War of Independence are on display in various rooms.
The 2.5 acre wilderness garden is in the form of a 17th century Mead which would have been used for games and relaxation by the medieval lords and ladies. There is a herb garden and a shady nut orchard for pleasant strolls and picnics where annual celebrations take place to celebrate American Independence Day on the Fourth of July.
President Carter visited Washington Old Hall during his visit in 1977. Two stone eagles, a bicentennial gift from an American in 1976 stand over the parterre, and the ornamental cherry tree was planted in the gardens in remembrance of 9/11.
The first stone hall was built on the site in 1183 by William de Hertburne, who changed his name to William de Wessyngton which eventually evolved into Washington. The family coat of arms was interestingly a shield with two stripes and three red stars, which were clearly of later significance.
In 1613 the family moved to Sulgrave Manor from where George Washington's great-grandfather, John Washington, emigrated to North America.
The current building was largely rebuilt of sandstone in 1613 by the new owner, William
Click Photo for Slideshow
After being converted into flats, Washington Old Hall eventually fell into disrepair and was only saved from demolition by a local teacher, Fred Hill, who organized a group known as the "Friends of the Old Hall" to raise funds to restore this piece of English-American history. The work was completed in 1955 and the Old Hall was handed over to The National Trust in 1957, although there is still an active groups of supporters who run the tearoom.
This stone manor is very picturesque with its south facing walls covered in Boston ivy. Beyond the iron gates is a striking knot garden and informal lawns which are an oasis of tranquility, making it a great day out whatever your particular interest. The old magnolia tree with its waxy leaves is an impressive feature and its white blooms in summer are spectacular.
A tour within Washington Old Hall will reveal the way of life enjoyed
Click Photo for Slideshow
Note the twin arches between the hall and the kitchen which date back to the original medieval hall. The authentic furnishings are laid out as 17th century room settings with flagged floors and raftered ceilings.
An oak staircase, carved oak furniture and excellent oil paintings decorate the family home. Exhibitis and souvenirs of George Washington and his role in the War of Independence are on display in various rooms.
The 2.5 acre wilderness garden is in the form of a 17th century Mead which would have been used for games and relaxation by the medieval lords and ladies. There is a herb garden and a shady nut orchard for pleasant strolls and picnics where annual celebrations take place to celebrate American Independence Day on the Fourth of July.
President Carter visited Washington Old Hall during his visit in 1977. Two stone eagles, a bicentennial gift from an American in 1976 stand over the parterre, and the ornamental cherry tree was planted in the gardens in remembrance of 9/11.
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Directions |
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Bus Services:
Go North East W2 from Washington Galleries bus station-Concord, connections from Gateshead and Newcastle. Cycling: NCN7, 1 mile View local cycle routes on the National Cycle Network website. By Road: 7 miles south of Newcastle, 5 miles from The Angel of the North. From A1 exit junction 64 and follow brown signs. From A19 join A1231 and follow brown signs. From all other routes, join A1231 and follow brown signs. By Train: Heworth (Tyne & Wear Metro) 4 miles; Newcastle 7 miles. Ordnance Survey Reference: 88:NZ312566 |
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Washington Old Hall Postcode for SatNav: NE38 7LE
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Days Out near Washington Old Hall
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WWT Washington Wetland Centre (1 Mile)*
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North East Aircraft Museum (2 Miles)*
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Angel of the North (3 Miles)*
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Shipley Art Gallery (4 Miles)*
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Monkwearmouth Station Museum (5 Miles)*
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Beamish - The Living Museum of the North (6 Miles)*
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Beamish Wild Adventure Park (6 Miles)*
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Laing Art Gallery (6 Miles)*
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Centre for Life (6 Miles)*
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Discovery Museum (6 Miles)*
Places to Visit near Washington Old Hall
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Gateshead (5 Miles)*
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Sunderland (5 Miles)*
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Jarrow (5 Miles)*
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Newcastle-upon-Tyne (6 Miles)*
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Whitburn (T and W) (7 Miles)*
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Westoe (7 Miles)*
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North Shields (7 Miles)*
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South Shields (7 Miles)*
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Burnopfield (8 Miles)*
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Dalton-le-Dale (8 Miles)*
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