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Here are the current entries in my guestbook:

From:	Jen Potts
Date:	Thu Jun 17 13:39:12 2010
URL:	http://
Message:	How old is this web site ?? A couple of filling  stations ??? a few shops !!! ha ha maybe 20 years ago.
From:	Derek MacArthur
Date:	Mon Jun 14 22:53:39 2010
URL:	http://www.heroes4hire.biz/99th_garrison_-_join_the_99th.htm
Message:	Hi,    To whom it may concern,    I'm an Event Organiser for a Star Wars costuming club    If you are planning anything in the future and you think  that we may be of assistance then we would love to offer  you our services, we can provide numerous Star Wars  characters ranging from Stormtrooper's, Boba Fett and  Darth Vader himself and many, many more!!    We even have R2-D2...    In return all we ask for are secure changing areas,  refreshments and a small donation to our nominated  charity, if this is not possible then we usually ask if we  can take a collection on the day!!    I hope you will cincider my offer for any of your events!!    Many Thanks    Derek    Derek MacArthur    TK-6251    The 99th Garrison    Regional Events Officer (NE)    http://www.christies.org/    http://www.dreamflight.org/
From:	Gillian
Date:	Fri Feb 12 18:23:38 2010
URL:	http://blamirerob@aol.com
Message:	Hello every one,  Can any one answer a question for me,  My great great great grandfather Thomas Riddle or Riddell  married Mary Potts 1784 Earsdon, in the bishops  transcripts it states they lived at Dairy Houses,near  Hartkey,can any one actualy tell me any thing about this  place ,as I have ried to get information and no one seems  to know about it ,Thomas was a sailor by the  way,unconfirmed as yet but I think his daughter married  Henry Tate and they had one son Thomas who was a baker in  themain street 1841 up to 1881 census,  Thanks for taking the time to read my message ,Gillian
From:	Peter Atkinson:castlestreet@talktalk.net
Date:	Wed Oct 7 20:47:30 2009
URL:	http://
Message:	I am the northern representative for Historic Houses  Association and sometime in May 2010 I am taking a party  of 30 members to Seaton Delaval Hall in the morning. If I  can buy (£50) the services of an amenable seaton sluice  history person, i would like to offer the group a tour of  Seaton Sluice for an hour in the afternoon. Is there  anybody who could accommodate me?
From:	Foster Morton
Date:	Mon Aug 31 17:33:25 2009
URL:	http://
Message:	I am trying to find my birth dad - a Mr Bob Marshall who  was located at the RAF site at Old Hartley - that we  understand, But I can find no records.  He had relations with a Miss Jessie Wilkinson ! at Indigo  House in Seaton Sluice.  We understand he may be my Father - I doubt he is still  alive but it would be nice to find out more.  Thanks  Mr Foster Morton
From:	Jennifer Mclean nee Jones, seaton Sluice.
Date:	Mon Aug 31 16:07:22 2009
URL:	http://
Message:	Please can anyone help with research into family history?  I am trying to find out everything possible about the  American units stationed in Seaton Sluice between 1942 and  1942? We believe there was a Peter Georgeson stationed  there before moving to Birmingham in 1943. It has taken a  long time to get to this point in our search and I am  hopeful that someone in your group may be able to help  further...Many thanks Jennifer
From:	liz outlaw
Date:	Wed May 27 20:26:45 2009
URL:	http://
Message:	my ancestors the grants, locks and curries lived in golden  hole until the pit flooded in the 1840s and they left for  the coalfields of durham.I returned to golden hole on bank  holiday monday to see what it was like. It must have  broken their hearts to leave such a lovely place.the  family lived there for over fifty years.one of the grant  john daniel born 1830 golden hole emigrated to salem in  utah in the usa where he died in 1893 .
From:	seatonsluice@hlamont.com
Date:	Tue Mar 10 16:12:30 2009
URL:	http://
Message:	Tom, I've just tried to reply to the e-mail that you  stated, but it's been bounced back as incorrect. Can you  let me have a revised address?
From:	dhirayog61@googlemail.com
Date:	Tue Mar 10 15:31:48 2009
URL:	http://
Message:	needs up dateting do yu need some help tm newstead
From:	Patrick Wells
Date:	Thu Feb 26 11:47:19 2009
URL:	http://
Message:	Hello,  My name is Patrick Wells, I'm a reporter for the Chronicle  and Journal and I have just been given Blyth and Seaton  Sluice as my news patch. I wonder if I could have a chat  with you? My email is paddywells@hotmail.com alternatively  yo can reach me on 07880 627 468.  Many thanks,    Patrick.
From:	mp.beech@bt.openworld.com
Date:	Sat Jan 17 13:44:17 2009
URL:	http://
Message:	Hello, My husband and I are interested in joining a local  history group - we have lived in West monkseaton for 20  years and were both born in Wallsend, could you let us  have information on your society and or others you think  may be of interest to us. Thank you very much Margaret  and Peter Beech
From:	Wendy Jessup
Date:	Sat Jan 10 06:23:01 2009
URL:	w.jessup@unsw.edu.au
Message:	Great Web site! A distant ancestor of mine was Coastguard at  Hartley in 1841. His address is given as Cragg House.  Would that be the house at Crag Point? Is it still there?
From:	slifs@shaw.ca
Date:	Sat Jan 10 04:45:56 2009
URL:	http://
Message:	see comment below , contact Bart van den Boom  slifs@shaw.ca
From:	hartleylad@googlemail.com
Date:	Tue Dec 16 19:58:12 2008
URL:	http://
Message:	Having just looked at the photographs of the farm on the  hill with the house in the foreground next to the burn. I  believe this was the home of my father's brother, Fred  Pearson.
From:	alan.harle@btopenworld.com
Date:	Sun Dec 14 18:32:16 2008
URL:	http://
Message:	looking for records of non conformist churches in this area  Ancestors hugoenot glassblowers
From:	Bart van den Boom
Date:	Mon Dec 8 04:41:31 2008
URL:	http://
Message:	Hi, I spoke to an old friend today (Tom Walton), he lived  close to Seaton Sluice and rescued a girl about 70-75  years ago from drowning in the sea.  He never knew what happened after that or who the girl was.  If there is anybody who remembers or knows the girl ?  Thanks,  Bart and Tom (now in Canada)  Bart
From:	ken smith
Date:	Wed Sep 17 07:22:56 2008
URL:	http://ksm@bel.co.uk
Message:	hi, my great grandad was born in seaton sluice in 1839.how  can i get a copy birth certificate.
From:	Emma@chill.eclipse.co.uk
Date:	Mon Aug 4 20:49:13 2008
URL:	http://
Message:	I am very interseted in finding out about the Church of  our lady, my Grandma got married there and is from Seaton  Delaval.I would like to get married there also.     I would also like to know how to contact the Astley  family who own Delaval Hall, and find out if there is any  possibilty of holding a wedding reception there.?    Please can anyone help.    Yours thankfully  Emma Crozier
From:
Date:	Tue Jul 22 09:10:10 2008
URL:	http://
Message:
From:	andy@italo.freeserve.co.uk
Date:	Sun May 25 09:00:12 2008
URL:	http://
Message:	Hi, i have a great interest in all things ww2, and i  remember as a young lad in the 80's exploring the  underground tunnels / rooms of what we called the "cd's"  probably short for coastal defence's. i know some people  have asked for info before "Wed Mar 7 13:09:16 2007" but  does anybody have any photo's from the outside or inside ?  the entrance was part way up the cliff and was all bricked  off, apart from a little bit knocked out so you could  climb in. Any info or help would be appreciated.
From:	dave.black@ncjmedia.co.uk
Date:	Wed May 14 10:32:54 2008
URL:	http://
Message:	I am a reporter with The Journal. I am trying to get a  contact number for someone from the local history society.  Could you email me at the above address or call me on  01670-824929
From:
Date:	Fri Apr 18 08:57:34 2008
URL:	http://
Message:
From:	Charlie Gregg
Date:	Wed Apr 9 16:31:24 2008
URL:	http://chuckgregg_1@msn.com
Message:	I am interested in learning about the Hartley Pit diaster .  There used to be a drawing of the broken beam engine in  one of the pubs the Delaval Arms or the Kings Arms I would  appreciate any help in obtaining a copy of this  Regards Charlie Gregg Please not that is an underscore  between the g & the 1 ie g_1
From:	Charlie Gregg
Date:	Wed Apr 9 16:28:27 2008
URL:	http://chuckgregg_1@msn.com
Message:	I am interested in learning about the Hartley Pit diaster .  There used to be a drawing of the broken beam engine in  one of the pubs the Delaval Arms or the Kings Arms I would  appreciate any help in obtaining a copy of this  Regards Charlie Gregg
From:	W A Thompson
Date:	Fri Apr 4 13:59:19 2008
URL:	bill@billhazel.f2s.com
Message:	Is there a guide book to the history of Seaton Sluice
From:	Bill Mustard
Date:	Sun Feb 17 12:11:08 2008
URL:	TOBEY0@aol.com
Message:	Ive just been veiwing your site which is excellent, the  reason im so interested in it is because my Ancestors  oringinated from Earsdon & Seaton Sluice they were Glass  and Bottle makers'I was wonfering if any of them are buried  in the CHURCH AT SEATON SLUICE, IVE BEEN TO St Albans in  EARSDON AND CANNOT FIND ANY TRCE OF THEM THERE. SO IT MUST  BE SEATON SLUICE.
From:	Hugh Lamont
Date:	Fri Nov 23 11:31:06 2007
URL:	http://
Message:	Quote: "I was expecting to see photographs of Seaton Sluice  when I   selected Seaton Sluice today? Instead I can see 5 pubs, 1   club & the old barber shop which is now a coffee shop cum   antique shop!     We all know that there is more! Please could you show the   Sluice and not a binge drinkers paradise?"    A little unfair, don't you think? This bit was really just  showing a selection of the local businesses, and not trying  to be a pictorial tour of the village. Having said that, it  probably needs updating anyway to remove references to the  filling stations and newsagents, which are sadly no more.    However, havig just yesterday become the proud owner of a  new camera, I may very well put up some more pictures, but  don't hold your breath, I need to figure out how to work  the thing first!
From:	Brian Erskine (jnr)
Date:	Tue Nov 20 21:58:14 2007
URL:	http://
Message:	Regarding S.Browns posting of the 7th March 2007. Please  have a look at this site.    http://www.28dayslater.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?  t=8424&highlight=Hartley&page=3    You will find this well interesting!
From:	Brian Erskine(Jnr)
Date:	Tue Nov 20 21:46:01 2007
URL:	http://
Message:	I was expecting to see photographs of Seaton Sluice when I  selected Seaton Sluice today? Instead I can see 5 pubs, 1  club & the old barber shop which is now a coffee shop cum  antique shop!    We all know that there is more! Please could you show the  Sluice and not a binge drinkers paradise?    Kind regards.
From:	Richard Daglish
Date:	Tue Oct 30 14:29:03 2007
URL:	http://rdaglish@blueyonder.co.uk
Message:	Interested in your area, as my ancestors Robert Daglish and  his wife Margaret nee Twizel came from the area to  Lancashire around 1803, and father JOhn before that.  Possible work connection with Seaton. Who holds parish  records, please?
From:	DJMcKee
Date:	Tue Sep 18 17:36:16 2007
URL:	http://www.seghill.org.uk
Message:	Hi, I run http://www.seghill.org.uk and have added a link  to your website, would it be possible to add a link to my  site on yours ? Thanks.  DJMcKee  Delta-Juliet@inbox.com
From:	Stephen Stanners
Date:	Fri Jun 29 13:40:21 2007
URL:	http://www.seatondelaval.org
Message:	Hello, my name is Stephen Stanners, I am the owner of  www.seatondelaval.org and was wondering if it was possible  for me to use some of the information about the Delaval  family you have on your website? I would also like to know  if I can link your website. Please contact me on  stephenstanners@seatondelaval.org. Thanks
From:
Date:	Thu May 17 14:23:51 2007
URL:	http://
Message:	Hi every one in seaton sluice will the kings arms be having  a harbour day this year, I have been to the last 3 and they  have all been very good. Cheers John
From:	Isabel love
Date:	Sun Apr 29 21:54:44 2007
URL:	http://
Message:	tried the web site www.delevalarms.co.uk
From:	Susan Young
Date:	Mon Mar 12 11:11:16 2007
URL:	http://
Message:	I am researching my family tree and I have reason to  believe that my grandmother was in service at Delaval Hall  sometime between 1901 and 1915 when she married. Do you  know if there are any record of the staff at the hall  during this period?
From:	S Bown
Date:	Wed Mar 7 13:09:16 2007
URL:	http://www,bownco.co.uk
Message:	2 earlier posts on here refer to a cave/tunnel at Crag  Point (See posts 19/10/01 & 09/04/02). I too remember  exploring the cave/tunnel as a child and walking through  all the underground rooms and passage ways there. Would  dearly love to find out more, as it seems to have been  hushed up. Can you help?
From:	William Fairney
Date:	Sun Dec 17 16:02:53 2006
URL:	http://www.fairdiesel.co.uk
Message:	Hello.   My grandfather Joseph Fairney lived in Seaton Sluice up  to his death in1953. I spent many happy summer holidays at  his house in 6, West Terrace, and many happy hours in the  dunes and on the beach.   My grandfather wrote many poems and I am putting them  into a book. He wrote a poem about "The Lady in White"  legend, but I can find very little about it   Can you help?   William Fairney     bill.fairney@wfairney.freeserve.co.uk
From:	Barry Nettleton
Date:	Mon Nov 13 16:06:47 2006
URL:	brrynttltn@yahoo.co.uk
Message:	I have had in my posession for some 30 years now the last  will and testament of Sir William Blake Delaval. It hangs  framed in my dining room.    I may be interested in selling it would you or the Hall be  interested.  tel 07887 532423
From:	w.waddle@btinternet.com
Date:	Tue Oct 17 22:42:52 2006
URL:	http://
Message:	I wondered if anyone in the Society had any idea what  the "Golden Hole""in ruins" was ? It appears on the  earliest OS 1864 maps in the Hollywell Dene / Seaton Burn  Valley to the east of Crow Hall, and just east of the  Weir /Dam - or possibly in the cliffs near this point. The  quality of the On Line map is so poor that it is difficult  to tell clearly its location.  In relation to some Family History research I am doing on  the Marshall family from Hartley / S Sluice I also wondered  if anyone had a description of the dwellings located at  Silver Hill which I believe were still occupied until the  late 1800's and where Queen street was actually located?
From:	thekingsarms2@aol.com
Date:	Sat Aug 26 10:38:57 2006
URL:	http://
Message:	My name is John Erskine, my wife & i run The Kings Arms  in Seaton Sluice, i,ve lived here all my life and have  been told over the years of the history of the village, as  do i pass it on to customers who ask about the pub, the  harbour, the village and the Irland.  Could anyone shed some light as to who arranged the  opening of the old whatch house on friday the 25.8.2006.  It would have been nice to be asked to come along as i do  do alot of work in the harbour and over on the irland  keeping the grass cut, and the surounding areas clean.  Yes i no this is to my advantage, but it would have been  nice to now all about it and what was going on.  Them to top it all of everyone bypassed our pub and went  to the waterford arms for a meal.  your Mr J erskine.
From:	kim.horner@CustomerClix.com
Date:	Thu May 4 08:27:19 2006
URL:	http://www.CustomerClix.com
Message:	Can you help me pls? I'm trying to find out the address  and post code for Castaways. Can you help?    Best wishes    Kim
From:	alastair.smith2@ncl.ac.uk
Date:	Wed Mar 29 15:40:43 2006
URL:	http://
Message:	Hi i was just wondering if anyone could help - I am a  third year marine biology student at Newcastle upon tyne  and i am carrying out some manipulation experiments upon  the rocky shore behind the kings arms for my thesis- i was  wondering if anyone knew how the man-made squares in the  rocks just below the cliff running along the sewage pipe  came about? Was this due to the construction of a pier? If  you do know the answer to this - how long have they been  there and when was the structure removed?    Thanks for your time and help - its much appreciated  Alastair
From:	derek@dmarshallhome.freeserve.co.uk
Date:	Fri Mar 17 12:42:25 2006
URL:	http://
Message:	what a lovely web site congratulations to everyone involved.  Can you please answer a couple of questions?  Father born in Seaton Sluice in 1894. In 1901 census he  Edward Marshall lived with his parents at GUTSIDE Seaton  Sluice. Cannot find street on any old maps ..have been  informed it was a houseboat moored in the harbour and was  still there till 1970s.. Can you through any light on the  subject... Appreciated. Derek Marshall (South Wales)
From:	tom newstead
Date:	Sun Feb 19 19:15:38 2006
URL:	http://
Message:	to dave anderson hope y ar wel iam makeing a4 x3 ft model  of the village have y enny ider wear i can diplay it need  som informasion on sandy rocky iland maybe we can meet wil  be in sluice 22 til 26al the best to my vilage anan your  fam anadyou my e m dhirayoga@hotmail.com tom newstead  mobil 07900654227
From:	tom newstead
Date:	Fri Jan 27 22:26:48 2006
URL:	http://
Message:	tom newstead it my home hav photos if u need to publish  o1279507644
From:	Dawn Brown
Date:	Mon Jan 23 09:23:14 2006
URL:	aylesham_rose@yahoo.com.au
Message:	After recently discovering on the 1861 Census that my  great great grandfather William Charles Morrison was a  bottle maker in Seaton Sluice; that his three younger  brothers, Robert, Thomas B and Joseph were bottlemaker  apprentices and his father William was a Labourer Bottle  Factory, it was such a thrill to find your website.  Finding out a bit of the history of Seaton Sluice has  certainly made my day and hopefully in the not too distant  future I will be able to pay a visit there from my  hometown of Brisbane, Australia
From:	Michael Taylor
Date:	Thu Jan 19 13:24:12 2006
URL:	http://ponthistsoc.freeuk.com
Message:	hello  It looks as if our Host for Ponteland Pele Tower Web site  and History Society Web site is not going to support dial up  - So I'll have to change my hosting organisation. Trouble is  there are so many! - Who do you use? Are they OK?  regards,  Michael Taylor  J.Michael Taylor MBE, CEng, MICE, FIHT  Woodlands  Prestwick Village  Ponteland  Newcastle Upon Tyne  NE20 9TX  Tel: 01661 824017  Fax: 0709 230 7883  Mbl: 0794 101 1748  jmichaeltaylor@btinternet.com
From:	paulabear1963@hotmail.co.uk
Date:	Mon Jan 9 17:39:30 2006
URL:	http://
Message:	hi i am a student doing foudation degree in travel and  tourism on heritage managment i would nbe grateful if you  could give me the last ten years of visitor numbers to the  hall and the importance of seaton delaval hall as a  visitor attraction and its role within national and  international tourism and the importance of its heritage    regards p smith
From:	NORMAN DIXON
Date:	Thu Dec 15 11:40:27 2005
URL:	http://
Message:	congratulations on your excellent web site  I am a native of New Hartley with parents and grandparents  being born in Seaton Sluice; I did not know of the  existance of your society until reading the interesting  article in "Remember When" from the Evening Chronicle.  I will be regularly accessing this site for news of my old  home town area.  many thanks
From:	tom newstead
Date:	Sat Nov 5 09:44:35 2005
URL:	http://dhirayoga@hotmail.com
Message:	iam the gand son of gorge elder g son of fw newstead the  son fed newstead mary newstead bothet jhon newstead and  verry proude of them all i hav llots of in formison and rae  photos if i can help in enny way 01279506744 live in south  g elder ilve on sandy iland f 56 yr
From:	tom newstead
Date:	Sat Nov 5 09:42:38 2005
URL:	http://dhirayoga@hotmail.com
Message:	iam the gand son of gorge elder g son of fw newstead the  son fed newstead mary newstead bothet jhon newstead and  verry proude of them all i hav llots of in formison and rae  photos if i can help in enny way 01279506744 live in south
From:	Dave Hogg
Date:	Fri Oct 21 01:01:33 2005
URL:	http://
Message:	Thanks to Barbara S., have found my way to this site. My  forefathers lived in SS 1810-1820. Does anyone have Hogg  history from that time for dave.hogg@sympatico.ca? Would  appreciate any relevant info. Were pilots for this period  registered anywhere?
From:	Ken Hastie
Date:	Mon Aug 29 09:53:41 2005
URL:	http://
Message:	Excellent website! Enjoyed it thoroughly. FOund slight  grammatical error you may wish to know  about "Northumberland coast, bordered to the North Blyth,  and to the South by Whitley Bay (Tyne and Wear)." should  probably have the word "by" inserted between "north"  and "Blyth".
From:	William Mustard
Date:	Sun Aug 28 12:14:45 2005
URL:	http://
Message:	I have just been reading the message from Rita Jackson and  the 1851 Census she refers to. she speaks about William  Mustard down as 167 stirling castle in Seaton Sluice I  would be gratefull if I could contact her or contact me  at....TOBEY0@aol.com
From:	David McMillan
Date:	Sat Jun 11 03:30:15 2005
URL:	dkmc@vic.chariot.net.au
Message:	Hello from Melbourne Australia.  I have a painting that belonged to my grandmother, of Seaton  Sluice. It was painted in 1969 by a W. Homer. It was brought  over here in the early 70's when they migrated and has been  in my family since. If you are interested I can e mail you a  photo of it?!? Sincerely David
From:	andrew.perkins3@virgin.net
Date:	Fri May 13 16:29:01 2005
URL:	http://
Message:	I am seeking family history information on a George  Perkins, born 1719 in Barnard Castle, believed to have  lived in Seaton Sluice around 1743. Can anyone help??  Thanks for a very interesting website.
From:	Bob Armstrong
Date:	Sat Mar 5 13:43:59 2005
URL:	http://
Message:	Hello everybody.  I've not beenable to get in here of late due to many  things, but i'm pleased to be able to do so at this moment  because I've just read in the News Post Leader, (Thursday  March 3rd...News in Brief page36), that you are looking for  pictures of Old Hartley and Seaton Sluice. Anyone who can  help is invited to bring them along to the Seaton Sluice  Community Centre between 2 & 4.30 pm March 18th, (That's a  Friday). This is in preparation for a display which is  sheduled for June 25th.  Well, I don't have any such images apart from the ones most  popularly seen around, but I have seen some which might be  of interest. They're attached to the walls of the corridors  leading to Wards 17 & 18 in North Tyneside Hospital. I know  because I've been visiting there. They are really good  images. One in particular that I've not seen before is of  an almost intact Starlight Castle, there are others of the  Hall and Harbour, the glassworks etc. and all are coloured.  Another lovely site is the unusually names website  http://www.themuppet.com/index.html This has some stunning  images of the place in modern times but covered in snow.  The ones of the Hall interior too are exceptional.  I hope this helps in your quest for pictures. I'm still  looking for a copy of the map that was produced in the 60's  of popular worm digging beds and fishing sites interspersed  with historical notes. Anyone found a copy in the loft yet??  All the best  Bob  PS Since moving to the village almost 2 years ago, it's  still the lovliest place to be. I'm sorry, you're stuck  with me! ;)
From:	Pete Ellis
Date:	Thu Feb 24 11:38:26 2005
URL:	http://
Message:	Great site, visited as part of my family history research,  lots of interesting info. My 3 x great grandmother (Mary  Lynn) was born in Seaton Sluice in 1811.  Thanks  Pete
From:	BARBARA SWINHOE (BURT)
Date:	Mon Feb 21 23:32:59 2005
URL:	http:// barbaraswinhoe@btinternet.com
Message:	Hello again,  Just looked at the site again. I lived in seaton sluice  for the first 20 years of my life, and my dad (Bernard  Burt)lived there all of his life. As a kid growing up in  the Sluice we had loads of fun playing on the island and  on the collywell, not to mention the dean or the air raid  shelters.    I would be happy for anyone to contact me for further  information about the sluice . I will try and answer any  queries you might have, if I don't know the answer my mam  Sally will, she still lives in the Sluice today aged 72.    Great web site  yours  Barbara Swinhoe (Burt)
From:	ralphm.peel@fsmail.net
Date:	Mon Feb 21 20:16:50 2005
URL:	http://
Message:	Well thought out web page good graphics thanks
From:	Bob Jones
Date:	Sun Dec 19 18:20:24 2004
URL:	http://www.ports.org.uk
Message:	I have developed a web site that features over 800 ports  and harbours around the UK. I have added a photo to the  Seaton Sluice page and credited it to your society. I hope  that's OK with you.    The site is at www.ports.org.uk. To find Seaton Sluice,  click on 'UK Map' and go to Area 2.    Many thanks.  Bob Jones
From:	Sam Stearman
Date:	Sat Oct 9 09:42:01 2004
URL:	http://www.samsays.com
Message:	Hi,    Very charming web, well done. My daughter Annie Marriott  lives there in the harbour near the SS Social Club and I am  looking forward to visiting soon (hopefully next year)    Thanks for all the information    Sam
From:	Rita Jackson
Date:	Thu Jul 15 22:37:37 2004
URL:	http://
Message:	I have just been looking at the 1851 Census, and noticed  there appears to be a street/place/or Road called Stirling  Castle, inhabitants Robt. Twedall @168, John taylor @166  Wm. Mustard @ 167  followed by (7) Gloucester Lodge an uninhabited house (8)  Meggies Burn 2 uninhabited houses(9) Mile Hill (10 Boiling  Well occupants occupation Blacksmith and Inn Keeper  This may answer a question I read earlier about Stirling  Castle...I had always thought Stirling Castle was another  name for the Starlight Castle in the dene.
From:	Chris Gage cgage@us.ibm.com
Date:	Tue Apr 13 15:39:17 2004
URL:
Message:	My maternal grandmother was named Minnie Surtees. She died  in London in the 1919 influenza pandemic when my father was  less than 2 years old. When his father also died a few  years later, as an orphan he stayed for a while with his  mother's family (exactly what relation I don't know) but it  was at Seaton Sluice, in what my father referred to as a  "rambling old manor lodge". In the late 1960s when I was an  undergraduate at University College, Durham, he and I  visited the site and the house had disappeared although the  foundations were still there. Is there any record of a  Surtees family living in Seaton Sluice during the early  1930s? There could be a connection with Swan Hunter  Shipyard, as there is a legend that Minnie's brother worked  for Swan Hunter.
From:	Margery White
Date:	Sat Apr 3 11:11:38 2004
URL:	http://kenmar.white@btopenworld.com
Message:	I believe my ancestors used to live on Rocky Island George  Haddon was a schoolmaster and his wife Susanna lived with  him, they had two children Annie and Walter, this would be  at the latter part of the 1800's. I would like to know if  SKS has any information on them i.e. did he teach at the  local school and where they lived on the island. Any  information would be greatly appreciated.
From:	mdfv40@dial.pipex.com
Date:	Wed Mar 31 14:10:03 2004
URL:	http://
Message:	Hi    I was brought up in Seaton Sluice until the age of 6 and  have very fond memories of the place. Since then I've  lived abroad and in the south of England and don't get  back very often. It was lovely to find such a well-  maintained website and the find out so much about the  history of the village.    Many thanks  Gail
From:	judith raffield
Date:	Mon Feb 23 21:33:58 2004
URL:	http://
Message:	i have with interest been researching the area as family  ancestors came from that area and had a lot of contact  with the delavals from documents working in various areas  and seaton sluice and ford castle we are looking for any  history regarding the name raffield or varations we  have links with raffield that moved to scotland then  ireland and the london area
From:	Wendy Pawsey
Date:	Wed Feb 18 14:08:41 2004
URL:	wendypawsey@blueyonder.co.uk
Message:	Hello!    I am currently completing some research with the University  of Newcastle into local peoples knowledge about the sand  dunes at Seaton Sluice.  I have prodcued a questionnaire in conjunction with the  Dove Marine Laboratory which I hope to use with people that  use the dunes.  So I am writing to enquire as to whether it would be  possible to attend one of your meetings with the purpose of  circulating the questionnaires to your members. Would this  be possible?  Also I wonder if someone might have details of any other  local groups whose meetings I could attend in order to get  a representative amount of questionnaires from people in  Seaton Sluice?    Many thanks for your help    Wendy Pawsey    0191 280 9548
From:	John Robinson
Date:	Sun Feb 8 09:20:47 2004
URL:	http://
Message:	I've just sent this to the Journal after reading the  article. Good web site. Keep up the good work!    Subj: Delaval Arms  Date: 08/02/2004 07:44:57 GMT Standard Time  From: RobbieJohnBob  To: alastair.gilmour@ncjmedia.co.uk          Alastair,    Have just read your excellent report on the Delaval Arms at  Old Hartley.    It's a great little pub and I used to call in often. Will  have to go again and sign the petition! And have a pint or  three!    It was scary that the article came out when it did, and  that the pub dates back to 1748. I've been researching my  family history and just last week I found that my oldest  known ancestor up to now, John Robinson, was born at Old  Hartley in 1749. I would guess that the family would  probably have celebrated the birth in the Delaval Arms!  Maybe the 'wetting of the bairns heed' was the first one  at the pub!    It's a nice thought anyway.    cheers    John Robinson.
From:	Bob Armstrong
Date:	Sun Jan 25 01:29:53 2004
URL:	http://
Message:	Hello there,  In October last year I came across this lovely site and  asked then if anyone out there had such a thing as a copy  of the map as detailed below. I've simply copied and pasted  my text to save my two index finger tips.....   "Back in the Sixties, (the 1960's), I'm not   THAT old! There was a map produced showing good Fishing   Points and local history. I've tried to get my hands on a   copy of this ever since mine disappeared during house   moves. Alas I'm stumped. Has anyone a print of this they'd   be willing to let me have, for a consideration of course.   I'd love to have it again for my wall. I well remember the   tales written thereon. One was about the Armstrong's Gun   and the firing of it off the clifs. There was a little   rhyme about it too...'The greet round shot went splish for   splash into the tortured deep. It myed the crabs and   lobsters hop and the fish could get nee sleep.' Oh   memories! Please help if you can."    I'd be very happy to see it again and as it was produced  locally en masse for the princely sum of 6d (about 2.5 new  pence) there would I feel be a few in circulation. OK I'm a  bit of a nostalgic dinosaur, but I've got a piece of wall  just crying out for it. If it helps, it was A3 sized and  some were coloured although the majority were simply black  and white, but often coloured by their owners.A lot ended  up in frames.  May I finally add that Geordiemuppet's site is very  interesting with some beautiful photos and when you click  the link above the galleries for Seaton Sluice to gain  access to the 'Skylighters' site then go into the 'History'  section, there's lots of local photos there too, some old  and some new. The internet's a wonderful tool innit?   Regards   Bob Armstrong
From:	Helen Lamont
Date:	Sun Jan 11 18:50:38 2004
URL:	http://
Message:	John Watson.    Hope that you're looking at this site again. My husband  told me about your e-mail but, unfortunately, deleted it  before I had the chance to reply. Here's my e-mail address  again, hoping that you access this site again.    Regards, Helen    helen@hlamont.com
From:	Nick
Date:	Thu Jan 8 12:05:14 2004
URL:	http://www.sendallmyloveuk.co.uk
Message:	Nice site.
From:	Mary older
Date:	Thu Jan 8 00:22:36 2004
URL:	http://
Message:	I like many other people am researching my family history.  I am having difficulty finding records of Seaton Sluice  and old Hartley Fron 1837 to 1868. Could you tell me where  else I can look. I found my GGG Grandfather and his  brother in the Earsdon parish records 1840 But cant find  birth of my GG Grandfather who was born in 1841. I have  tried Morpeth record office. But couldn`t find records  after 1837. I have found him on the 1851 census as living  at Hartley and last census (1901) he lived in Brick Row  Seaton Delaval. Could you suggest where he would be buried  and where the records would be held. Sorry this is a bit  long winded. Could you suggest what books to buy on these  areas  thank you Mary
From:	Helen Lamont (Addy)
Date:	Sun Jan 4 13:22:10 2004
URL:	http://
Message:	To Chris Hull,    Good to see your message in the guestbook. Are you the  Chris Hull that I remember from Cresswell Avenue, with  Chris Bruce, Michelle Blake, Ian Campbell, Sheila Lisle  etc.?    I've included my e-mail address and it would be good to  hear from you.    e-mail: helen@hlamont.com
From:	wendy.pawsey@blueyonder.co.uk
Date:	Wed Dec 31 15:13:07 2003
URL:	http://
Message:	Hi!  I am doing some research on the dunes between Seaton Sluice  and Blyth and was wondering if you could provide any  information or point me in the direction of anyone who  could?!    Many Thanks  Wendy
From:	dave@dave-kennedy.co.uk
Date:	Tue Dec 23 15:25:27 2003
URL:	http://www.themuppet.com
Message:	Please feel free to use any of the pictures of Seaton  Sluice or Delaval Hall on my site, if you require higher  resolution images or details of any of them, please drop me  a line on the above address.    Best Regards    Dave
From:	Chris Hull (NZ)
Date:	Tue Nov 18 08:32:24 2003
URL:	http://
Message:	Excellent site - makes me homesick!
From:	Bob Armstrong
Date:	Sun Oct 19 11:03:49 2003
URL:	http://
Message:	Hello John,  I'm not an authority of the local history, but I'll give  you what I have picked up regarding Willie Carr the  Strongman. Yes he was no doubt a force to be reckoned with  and earned his place in history and local folklore in many  ways connected to his strength. Yes, I recall stories of  his prowess as a boxer and I for one wouldn't like to have  been in the same ring as him!  It is true that he carried the rock to the Delaval Arms.  Forgive me, but I cannot recall from where. I believe he  slaked his thirst there too in a big manner.  I also recall that once he had a consignment of harpoons  for that he'd forged for a whaler lying in the Tyne and  carried them there from Blyth so as to catch the ship  before it sailed.  Delaval Hall is open during the Summer months on Wednesdays  and Sundays.  I hope this helps you, maybe someone else might be able to  add to the information so as to fill any gaps I've left.  Bob
From:	johncbutcher@aol.com
Date:	Sat Oct 18 12:08:29 2003
URL:	http://johncbutcher@aol.com
Message:	Dear Sir,    As Thank you for taking the time to produce an excellent  site. Having lived in Longbenton and now exiled to Aberdeen  in Scotland, Seaton Sluice and its coastal area have many  happy memories for me.    The reason for seeking out your site is related to my  research of the family history. I am lead to believe I am  related to a William Carr a Blacksmith of Blyth. A book by  Eva Carter “Tales of the North Country” relates a number of  incidents about William who was known as the Strongman of  the North. William was a boxer of some note and won a  number of bouts for the Delavals. I have a copy of the book  and an electronic transcript of the chapter should you wish  to have it.    Within the text of the book there is a reference to a  picture of William, this is said to hang in Delaval hall.  Do you know if there are any printed or electronic copies  of the picture or if Delaval Hall is ever opened to the  public?    My father, who still lives in Cowpen-Blyth has sent me  further information about William. He states that the big  rock outside the Delaval Arms was placed there by William  and several handcarts were broken I the effort; and there  is a monument to him in the shopping centre at Blyth.    If you have any further information or are interested in  anything I have, please advise.    Regards      John Carr Butcher
From:	Bob Armstrong
Date:	Mon Oct 6 14:38:32 2003
URL:	http://
Message:	Hello once more...  Before I close my machine down, I just wanted to send this  request out. Back in the Sixties, (the 1960's), I'm not  THAT old! There was a map produced showing good Fishing  Points and local history. I've tried to get my hands on a  copy of this ever since mine disappeared during house  moves. Alas I'm stumped. Has anyone a print of this they'd  be willing to let me have, for a consideration of course.  I'd love to have it again for my wall. I well remember the  tales written thereon. One was about the Armstrong's Gun  and the firing of it off the clifs. There was a little  rhyme about it too...'The greet round shot went splish for  splash into the tortured deep. It myed the crabs and  lobsters hop and the fish could get nee sleep.' Oh  memories! Please help if you can.  Regards  Bob Armstrong
From:	Bob Armstrong
Date:	Mon Oct 6 13:24:54 2003
URL:	http://
Message:	I've been able to glean from books I've read that Stirling  Castle, Starling Castle and Starlight Castle are one and  the same place. I hope this helps to confirm the message  posted by Ros Napper.    Bob Armstrong
From:	Bob Armstrong
Date:	Mon Oct 6 14:17:53 2003
URL:	http://
Message:	I've been able to glean from books I've read that Stirling  Castle, Starling Castle and Starlight Castle are one and  the same place. I hope this helps to confirm the message  posted by Ros Napper.    Bob Armstrong
From:	Bob Armstrong
Date:	Mon Oct 6 13:06:56 2003
URL:	http://
Message:	Hello,  I'm really pleased to have stumbled across your site about  Seaton sluice and Old Hartley. I've been interested in the  history of this area since my schooldays and also 'Those  Delavals' too. I hail from Whitley and have spent time in  Cramlington and Seghill, but now reside in Millfield  overlooking Starlight Castle and I'm very pleased to be. I  hope someday to own a boat in the harbour. I think that  would complete my move here. I must try to get to your  meetings to soak up the strong community spirit. I hope  that I can soon be termed a local and in that capacity,  able to give my voice to help the village and community to  fight off any developer who dares to think he can come here  into 'our' community and build or change at will what is an  area of strong historical interest and beauty. I have news  for any such 'Invader' NO WAY MATE!  Anyway, I'm looking forward to enjoying life here and so  far I've sensed that this is a good area with a real  friendliness. Take care for now and I'll see you all  hopefully soon. It's taking me time to get fully moved in  but already I've had offers of help from locals here. Such  confinms I've made the right move.  Kind regards for now  Bob Armstrong.
From:	barrie
Date:	Sun Sep 21 15:29:15 2003
URL:	http://www.Zbar@btopenworld.com
Message:	looking for help with famliy history in ainwick famliy name  dickson in bridge street ainwick 1901 census euphemia  dickson age 62 daughter margaret dickson age 32 worked as  a fishing fly dreser son frederick dickson age 20 worked as  a blackamith iron and a george boreham lighthouse keeper.  euphemia dickson second husband    thakn you    barrie
From:	Ros Napper
Date:	Thu Sep 11 18:17:57 2003
URL:	http://
Message:	I am researching my family tree. My Great Great  Grandparents where residentat Starling Castle , Hartley, in  1861. I can only find a Starlight Castle on the map. Their  names - William Carr and Mary Ann Dearden Carr, nee Tweddle,  whose father was a cordwainer in Seaton Sluice. Mary Ann was  born in Seaton Sluice in 1835 or 1840. Can you help? E-mail  address c/o graham.napper@virgin.net Thankyou
From:	richard.grainger@jerseymail.co.uk
Date:	Fri Aug 29 16:53:26 2003
URL:	http://
Message:	I am looking into my family history and have traced a  relative to Hartley Pans. Murdock McKenzie married  Elizabeth Mitchell at Earsdon in 1775. I wonder if you  could advise me how to discover more about Murdock and his  wife. It seems he may have moved into the district as Tyne  and Wear Archives can find no christening records.  Many thanks for your assistance
From:	rosalie.jones9@btinternet.com
Date:	Fri Aug 8 21:42:26 2003
URL:	http://
Message:	Hello, could you please send me details of joining the  Seaton Sluice and Old Hartley Local History Society. My  father's family lived in Hartley many moon's ago, between  1800 and 1919 to be precise. The name was Burnett and  they worked in the Bottleworks and Mines. I now live in  Blyth and would like to come to some of your meetings.    Regards. Rosalie Jones nee Burnett
From:	Beejay4475@hotmail.com
Date:	Fri Aug 1 18:16:15 2003
URL:	http://
Message:	My Great, Great, Grandfather William Pickering Johnson was  born in hartley about 1810. His father was probably a Glass  Worker as his son did, tansferring to Bill Quay Jarrow and  thence to South Shields.    I have a copy of his marriage in Jarrow and references to  him in 1851 and 1881 censuses where he was shown as born  Hartley Northumberland 1810.    My problem is I cannot find where he was baptised so I can  get his Father's name and possibly his Mother's    Any information about which church it may have been would  be gratefully received, the family were always C.of E.    thanks Brian Johnson
From:	Joan Utterson
Date:	Mon Jul 28 17:30:37 2003
URL:	http://
Message:	I am trying to trace a property within Holywell Dene  called 'the Old Engine' Hartley, it was situated just  across the bridge from the Mill and straight above in the  high cliffside. The brothers living or working there were  called William and John Potts they were shoemakers by trade  and there was also a sister Eleanor who was housekeeper at  the same address.My father John William Potts was born in  one of their properties at 6, Albion Street West, North  Shields I believe they owned a number of properties in that  road and I am curious as to how my father was born there in  1910 as the residential address of his parents was at Moor  Edge Farm at Shiremoor in March 1910.   I am hoping there is someone somewhere in the  North -East can help me with any information. I myself can  remember going to the Mill to buy crisps and pop when I was  about 13 years old and I can remember the stepping stones  were still there in the 50's as I took my son there.  My email address is joan@utterson.com   I await any contact with great interest.   Joan Utterson
From:	Joan Utterson
Date:	Mon Jul 28 17:31:18 2003
URL:	http://
Message:	I am trying to trace a property within Holywell Dene  called 'the Old Engine' Hartley, it was situated just  across the bridge from the Mill and straight above in the  high cliffside. The brothers living or working there were  called William and John Potts they were shoemakers by trade  and there was also a sister Eleanor who was housekeeper at  the same address.My father John William Potts was born in  one of their properties at 6, Albion Street West, North  Shields I believe they owned a number of properties in that  road and I am curious as to how my father was born there in  1910 as the residential address of his parents was at Moor  Edge Farm at Shiremoor in March 1910.   I am hoping there is someone somewhere in the  North -East can help me with any information. I myself can  remember going to the Mill to buy crisps and pop when I was  about 13 years old and I can remember the stepping stones  were still there in the 50's as I took my son there.     I await any contact with great interest.   Joan Utterson
From:	Jennifer Burt
Date:	Sun Jun 15 01:10:49 2003
URL:	http://
Message:	I think Seaton Sluice is a gorgeous village i have bein  goin there since i was born has a lot of my family live  their it is a quiet welcoming village and its great
From:	sonia spence
Date:	Mon Jun 2 18:25:13 2003
URL:	http://
Message:	Hi  I am secretary of the Sunderland Volunteer Life Brigade,  and I wonder if it would be possible to put us on your  links page? at the moment we dont the web site up and  running, but you can use my email address to contact me if  you need to:- sonia_spence@hotmail.com the address of  the watch house is Pier view, Roker, Sunderland, thank you.
From:	merlinicus490855@aol.com
Date:	Thu May 1 10:22:46 2003
URL:	http://
Message:	Good day to you  I live in Nelson Cramlington and although now housebound I  still have an interest in our areas history.  I wish to ask about the CRYPT of Church of our lady.  I understand that a Tomb of some sort was found there  could you please elaborate for me as I never knew about  this till recently  Thank you for your attention in this matter  Yours sincerely  Mr Berryman  via email
From:	Julia Saunders
Date:	Mon Mar 3 22:24:43 2003
URL:	http://
Message:	Dear Sir/Madam    I live in Nottingham but my Grandmother, Isabella Jane  Marshall (nee Ashman) lived in Seaton Sluice and used to  tell me that the house she was born in (about 1895) had  long ago slipped into the sea. Do you have any  information please about this area, presumable very near  to the coast at Seaton Sluice.    Many thanks    Julia Saunders
From:	Julia Saunders
Date:	Mon Mar 3 22:16:01 2003
URL:	http://
Message:	Dear Sir/Madam    I live in Nottingham but my Grandmother, Isabella Jane  Marshall (nee Ashman) lived in Seaton Sluice and used to  tell me that the house she was born in (about 1895) had  long ago slipped into the sea. Do you have any  information please about this area, presumable very near  to the coast at Seaton Sluice.    Many thanks    Julia Saunders
From:	Helen Pearson
Date:	Mon Mar 3 21:06:39 2003
URL:	http://
Message:	I recently bought a print/picture in a charity auction of  Seaton Sluice harbour signed by the artist Mr J L Auld. I  would be interested in knowing more about the artist.. I  did not know that Seaton Sluice was in Northumberland until  I searched on the internet.. looks like an interesting  place and will look to come up there soon...    Rgds,    Helen    E-mail address:- helentpearson2002@yahoo.co.uk
From:	rosemary@wessexhort.co.uk
Date:	Wed Jan 22 16:19:09 2003
URL:	http://
Message:	My father has lived in Seaton Sluice all of his life (he is  almost 80). I would very much like to get a reprint of a  photograph or an artists impression of either the harbour,  or Collywell Bay Road or something similar from the 1940's  to 1950's. Is this possible?
From:	Mr Paul Burrows
Date:	Thu Jan 16 13:52:24 2003
URL:	http://pburrows2262@yahoo.co.uk
Message:	Halo everone i used to live in the waterford arms from  roughly 77 to 81,i stayed there with my auntie and uncle Mr  and Mrs Charlton,then moved to Dereham road and was married  to Wendy Robson at the church of our lady,then moved back  to london i had some great times in seaton sluice,when in  the north east i always make apoint of visiting,Yours  P.Burrows Beckenham Kent.
From:	Vernon Hoggard
Date:	Sat Jan 4 20:41:51 2003
URL:	hovern@xtra.co.nz
Message:	Greetings from down under. I lived in Whitley Bay at the  time of the second world war, and left there in 1952 I had  quite a lot of contact with Seaton Sluice, and Holleywell  Dean. I always thought that the round lookout tower  overlooking the seaward end of Hollywell Dean was Starlight  Castle, nothing like the illustration on your web page. I  obviousley I was wrong about that. When I used to go there  the salt pans were quite clearly visible in the valley  bottom. I was suprised that the part about coal didn't  mention Dolly Duff. Regards Vernon Hoggard.
From:	Wilma Thelen
Date:	Sun Dec 15 18:58:15 2002
URL:	http://
Message:	Hi,  my name is Wilma Thelen, I am german. 30 year ago I came  to Seaton Sluice, to see my girlfriend. I stayed 2 weeks  there and when I saw this homepage remembered at Seaton  Sluice, Seaton Delaval Hall, Whitley Bay. We often went to  the Briar Dene during my vacation. I don't know, if the  family I visited is still living in Seaton Sluice.
From:	jeansandy45@aol.com
Date:	Thu Dec 5 21:29:55 2002
URL:	http://
Message:	I have just received information that my gg grandfather,  JAMES BRIGHTON MALLETT was the last man out alive in the  1862 Hartley Pit disaster. Apparantly it was reported in  the ;ocal press and again referred to in 1950. Please could  you tell me which newspaper it would have been in and if it  is possible to get a copy of it now  Thank you Jean
From:	brightraven@Ntlworld.com
Date:	Wed Nov 20 17:36:24 2002
URL:	http://
Message:	I shall try to enclose the letter which I had intended for  Morag Horseman, but was unable to send as cablenet refused  to accept it. I subsequently did a search for Morag and  your address came up. Could you give me Morag's email  address if this does not reach her as I wish to send her  the letter concerning local history. Thank you. Jeff  Bartram.  ----------  Hi,     My name is Jeff Bartram and I live in  Newcastle upon Tyne. I am a dowser and have long had an  interest in history both local and world. I am tracking by  dowsing what I believe to be a rather large network  of “secret” underground communications tunnels which  appear to stem from Tynemouth Priory and lead out in  several directions. I believe that one tunnel leads from  the Priory to Hexham Abbey and possibly beyond to the  west, a distance of some 28 miles.     I have tracked sections of this particular tunnel at  least six miles from Newcastle to West Denton Hall. I have  also found evidence along the surmised route which  indicates its’ presence near the Coast Road. It goes  across Station Road a mere 100 yards from the Coast Road  and then heads across to the SE through the garage which  adjoins the Coast Road some way past the Rising Sun public  House. It heads in the direction of the ruins of Holy  Cross church where I have also found the “tunnel” on a  reciprocal compass bearing heading into the church and  through it towards North Shields where I believe it goes  to Christ Church. Dowsing there I found that there are  several junctions emanating from the church. One to the  NW, one to the SE and one to the SW. The SW one heads down  to the Ferry Landing where it points toward St Hilda’s  Church in South Shields. I have investigated (Dowsed)  there and found a tunnel leading into and out of St  Hilda’s and it is on a reciprocal compass bearing to the  one across the river (It points toward North Shields Ferry  Landing).     I have dowsed and tracked many other so-called  tunnel “legends” in the surrounding area over the last  five years and I am convinced of the truth of the  existence of these tunnels. I have found documentary  evidence which points to their existence and corroborates  what I have discovered in several locations. Another  tunnel appears to lead from Seaton Delaval Hall which I  have tracked for distance along its’ route. A “legend”  which I have subsequently heard states that the tunnel  leads through Holywell Manor, the “Abbots house” there,  Briardene, the Monkseaton Arms, Cullercoats and then to  Tynemouth Priory. I have tracked a “tunnel” through the  Manor House which heads N-S and NE and picked it up at  Crow Hall Farm which is ancient and POSSIBLY a site  belonging to the Priory at one time as are many other  sites which I am going through and finding such tunnels.  This heads to Briardene Farm and farther. This took some  considerable time to walk and dowse and I intend to follow  it farther when time permits.     Tynemouth Priory has popped into the equation  so many times whilst I have been researching and dowsing  these tunnel systems that I am convinced that it was they  who instigated the construction of many of these tunnels  (Not all, as some appear to have been built by the “Landed  Gentry”. Their Halls and Grand Houses are “connected” to  these “religious” type tunnels which makes me consider the  fact that they formed part of a “safe house” network in  times of persecution and danger). I believe that the vast  majority of these “secret” tunnels were originally built  purely for communications between the copious properties  owned by the BENEDICTINES but later used to escape in  times when to be a Roman Catholic was treason and death.  These times would include Henry VIII and the Dissolution  of the Monasteries, his daughter Elizabeth I (Particularly  then as Elizabeth burned many Roman Catholics to death and  priests in England became more and more rare). These  tunnels are “5” of my paces wide, roughly seven feet. They  also lead into and OUT OF, many stables attached to  properties with tunnels, which leads me to believe that  horses were taken down into the tunnels for transport and  carriage purposes. The long distances in some cases also  suggest that horses were used.     As you appear to have a good interest in the area’s  history, I wonder if you have any evidence whatsoever,  even so-called “legend”, which would perhaps support my  theories. I have entered some of these tunnels and have  also found several sealed-up tunnels in some “strange”  places”. Consequently, I KNOW several things. One, that I  AM dowsing “tunnels”, two that these tunnels do indeed  exist and three, that I am very accurate in my “5” width  dowsing measurement as I have measured found tunnels and  they correspond with this measurement. I am willing to  share more of this information if you are able to assist  me in my researches. I look forward to a positive  response. Jeff Bartram Newcastle.    Regards, Newcastle                ---  Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free.  Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com).  Version: 6.0.419 / Virus Database: 235 - Release Date:  13/11/2002
From:	Barbara Burt
Date:	Sun Nov 3 22:58:35 2002
URL:	http://barbara.67@whsmithnet.co.uk
Message:	I was born and raised in Seaton Sluice, as was my father  (born 1930). He was born in Delaval Street and later moved  to Hartley Square. When he married he made his home in  Seaton Sluice, and lived there until his death in 1999. My  mother still lives there today.    As a child growing up in the village there was always  plenty of places to explore, and some great times were had  by myself and my brother's and sister. We would spend many  happy hours on Blyth beach, Collywell beach and we would go  winkle picking with my grandma on Hartley Sands, not to  mention the air raid shelters and the dene.     I now live in Seaton Delaval but visit my mother regularly  and love to walk onto Rocky Island with my son Robert, he  loves listening to tales of when I was a child living in  the Sluice and what we used to get up to without causing  any trouble in the village.     I would love to help anyone that is interested in the  history of Seaton Sluice if I could, so please drop me a  line if you think I may be able to answer any questions  about Seaton Sluice for you.    Your web site is excellent and I have shown my mother the  full site, it brought back many happy memories for her,  THANKS VERY MUCH FOR A WONDERFUL INSIGHT INTO THE OLD AND  THE NEW SEATON SLUICE.    Yours    Barbara Burt.
From:	Keith Scarrott
Date:	Mon Oct 7 19:17:02 2002
URL:	keith_scarrott@hotmail.com
Message:	Hello    My 4x great grandfather came from Seaton Sluice. His name  was James Thompson born 1796, he married Margaret Miller  also of Seaton Sluice. James was a Master Mariner and  Innkeeper. (as per 1841 census)    James and Margaret's son William born 1830 married Dorothy  Hogg, from the farming family of Hogg, Blyth.    Would one of your societies members have knowledge or are  there any trade directories regarding what building in  Seaton Sluice James may have dwelt as Innkeeper, and is it  still standing?    Thank you  Regards  Keith Scarrott
From:	stillyard@btopenworld.com
Date:	Wed Oct 2 11:01:48 2002
URL:	http://
Message:	I am writing a book about George 3rd and his siblings  and have made use of your excellent site in finding out  about Francis blake Delaval, an associate of the King's  younger brother, Edward Duke of York. You mention  that Delaval built a castle out of pefabricated materials -  could you tell me how this was done - is is stone or  somether material? Is it the folly illustrated on the site?  Also I would like to know if Seaton itslef is built of the  ashlar used for the stables or from some other  material.  Thank you very much for your site - I hope to visit the  neighbourhood before long.  Yours Stella Tillyard
From:	bill kennard
Date:	Sat Aug 17 22:58:01 2002
URL:	http://gbm79@dial.pipex. com
Message:	Do you know whether there was in the 1930s an organisation  called Blyth and Seaton Welfare Committee which helped  local unemployed and their families during the Depression,  please?
From:	Michael Delaval
Date:	Tue Aug 13 19:47:24 2002
URL:	http://
Message:	Like to join your for a pint or  two.....mdelaval@houston.rr.com    Cheers!
From:	partis@devizes4.freeserve.co.uk
Date:	Sat Aug 10 21:13:36 2002
URL:	http://
Message:	During my search into my family fistory (Message down  below) I was given the name of Tom Humpfries who turned  out to be a distant relation of mine. He still lives in  Seaton Sluice and has written 3 books describing S.Sluice  with not only with photo's but with tales of his childhood  etc. These books if in print are only £5 each and are a  must. Keep it up Tom
From:	rayatthebay@blueyonder.co.uk
Date:	Sun Jul 28 22:21:19 2002
URL:	http://
Message:	A nice site. Might I suggest a couple of things, though,  that irked. The unattributed quotations at the foot of each  page were a little irritating - please attribute and  explain their relevance. As a local, I missed most of them,  so I am sure that they would baffle any "Foreign" visitor.    Second. Why give your measurements only in metric? Very few  adults understand the metric system, and, as a  schoolteacher, I can tell you that few children do either,  although one day they may. None of the buildings on the  site was constructed using metric measurements, and their  builders would not have understood your references. Might I  suggest that you give the original, imperial measurements  first, and the metric equivalents in parentheses- thus  avoiding suggestions of historical revisionism :)    Thanks for the site. If you see a bald man walking two  spaniels in the Dene any day, it could be me!    Ray Martin
From:	Chris Bell
Date:	Thu May 23 16:38:30 2002
URL:	http://cquee1@hotmail.com
Message:	Re:The Hartley Bottle works. An ancestor of mine painted a  picture which was named "Hartley Old Bottle Works" and was  sold at an auction in North Shields in 1911. Would this be  the picture that heads the page of your story ?  Please let me know, I would be most grateful.  Thank You, Chris Bell.
From:	Thomas J Carr
Date:	Fri May 10 17:18:31 2002
URL:	http://www.geordiecarr.de
Message:	Any chance putting a link too mine on your site ?  http://www.geordiecarr.de     Thanks. ex geordie from blyth
From:	Dave Kane
Date:	Fri May 10 08:45:18 2002
URL:	http://Tyneside.History.andmuchmore.com
Message:	Hello I live in the Tyneside area and I was wondering if  there are any mechanics or miners institutes in your area  still standing as they are a feature of my site and I want  to collect more photos of 19th century buildings, this  includes churches, schools, public houses and working mens  clubs.    I started with Dudley in Weetslade and the site is now  growing to include the North Tyneside area. I take my own  photos where possible but if you have any you would like to  donate I would add them with a link to your site.    Thank you for your time and the nice site.  Dave Kane.
From:	Jane Richardson
Date:	Thu Apr 25 13:33:30 2002
URL:	http://
Message:	Iwas looking for Old Harley on the Northunbria message site  and was referred to your site. It was great. I printed  everything on it to share with other family.Rita Jackson of  Seaton Sluice also replied to my enquiry.  My g-grandfather Joseph Richardson was killed in the  explosion of the Drummond Mine in Westville NS in1873. The  miners raised a monument which reads  Erected in menory of Joseph Richardson a native of Old  Hartley in the Parish of Earsdon, County of Northumberland,  England, who was killed by the Drummond Colliery Explosion  May 13,1873 aged 41 years  Also of his wife Mary Hall aged 38 years  This monument was erected by the workmen of Albion Mines as  a token of Respect and Esteem    There is some question about the age as the 1871 census  here would have him 41 in 1871( making him born in 1830)  where the monument figures to 1832.  His wife Mary Hall was not our g-grandmother.We know  nothing about her .She died in 1871 and he remarried Jane  Burns Place who was our g-grandmother  We do know that he arrive here with a wife and 8 children.  It was great to see the pictures and read the history of  Old Hartley.  Thank you Jane Richardson
From:	Alex
Date:	Tue Apr 9 20:43:12 2002
URL:	http://
Message:	From an Earlier Email from myself you appear to have  forwarded my querie about what I knew as Monks Cave, onto  Seaton Design Group, and the book by DAvid Anderson.  David has since contacted me and refered me to his site.  I thank both yourselves and David for this.
From:	t.jackson30@verizon.net
Date:	Tue Mar 26 16:36:02 2002
URL:	http://
Message:	Enjoyed your site very much, thanks.  Question: is their any history of the Astley Arms on your  site? I am particularly interested in the period of when  Miss Lydia Jackson was the manager there around WWII.  Thank you  Terry Jackson
From:	Ann Taylor
Date:	Wed Mar 13 14:32:10 2002
URL:	http://TURLIOS@aol.com
Message:	Your web site is fascinating, especially as I have  ancestors from Old Hartley. My x 4 gt grandfather William  GREY was a Master and Mariner sailing his  brigantine 'William' to and from this village. Does  anybody have any more information on these sea going men.  My BURT ancestors also lived and worked in Old Hartley as  Coal Miners.    Kind regards,    Ann
From:	dave.hogg@sympatico.ca
Date:	Mon Mar 11 02:04:43 2002
URL:	http://
Message:	My grandfather was born in 1859: Ralph William Hogg. I am  told his father was one of four "sea-going captains" from  Seaton Sluice. Would appreciate a reply from anyone knowing  anything of these "Hoggs" or decendents still living in the  area?    Dave
From:	samriley21@aol.com
Date:	Thu Feb 21 20:30:48 2002
URL:	http://
Message:	Spent many summer holidays at Seaton Sluice, where my Dad  Gordon Marshall of Queens Rd lived.I have nothing but fond  memories of the place and have even taken my husband and  three children to visit, they were also spellbound.  Finding this site has been a wonderful surprise.  Thankyou.
From:	shan@corporatemax.fsnet.co.uk
Date:	Thu Jan 31 15:45:49 2002
URL:	http://
Message:	i am trying to research one Lieutenant general Francis  Delaval in the 18th century,has anyone heard of one of the  delavals having this rank?  shan
From:	shan@corporatemax.fsnet.co.uk
Date:	Wed Jan 30 16:03:22 2002
URL:	http://
Message:	I am researching a Lieutenant general Francis Delaval  I am guessing that he lived in the 1700`s do you have any  info on this gentleman i.e regiment born? died etc.  many thanks in advance
From:	woralang@netscape.net
Date:	Sun Jan 20 22:48:46 2002
URL:	http://
Message:	We lived on Foremans Row in Seaton Delaval in the late 40's  and most of the 50's when "Hartley" to us was in fact New  Hartley. I hope you can forgive our ignorance but we didn't  get "ower the burn" very often and then only on a rare trip  to Whitley Bay. As kids though, we climbed the rocks at  Seaton Sluice and got covered in our fair share of "yellow  babby" trying to catch sticklebacks in Seaton Burn.    I have lived in the USA for the last 35 years and, like a  lot of expatriots, developed a belated interest in the  history in the area where I grew up. Over the last few years  I have been collecting old maps of the SE corner of  Northumberland and have created a contour map, in electronic  format, of the area between the Wansbeck and Cullercoats. My  aim is to end up with a fair rendering of the area between  Bedington and Earsdon for the year 1700, before full scale  mining hit the area.    I have gone as far as I can with the earliest Ordnance  Survey maps and earlier maps by Greenwood 1828, Armstrong  1769, Warburton 1716, and a few incidental local maps I  found on my last trip.    I am woefully short of experience and knowledge in finding  local records, surveys, tax rolls, etc which seems to be the  next step in making signifcant progress.    Are there any members of your society who could give me a  few pointers along these lines?    I will be visiting my mother, Minnie Harbertson (she lives  opposite Tommy Allan in Seaton Delaval), from Feb 22 to Mar  8 and would very much like to get some productve research in  during the trip.    It would be greatly appreciated if you could find a  volunteer to show me the ropes.    The web site is extremely well done.    Sincerely, and hoping for a favorable reply,    Alan Greenacre
From:	partis@devizes4.freeserve.co.uk
Date:	Mon Dec 31 14:46:44 2001
URL:	http://
Message:	Great site, although originally from Blyth I am very  interested in S.Sluice - S. Delaval - Seghill & Hartley  areas as I'm tracing my family history. I have already  found a distant relation living in S.Sluice. My  greatgrandad was born in Dairyhouse which I beleive is in  that area.  I now live in Wiltshire and rely on the internet for my  information.  Regards  Ian    ps Had my first underage drink in The Melton Constable
From:	randjdean@aol.com
Date:	Wed Dec 26 16:39:14 2001
URL:	http://
Message:	Ken Hargreaves (81) would like to know anything about an  artist called George Bell, a local dental surgeon born i  seaton Sluice, who painted scenes of the town and coastline  up to the 1960s. He knew him well and wonders what happened  to his paintings.
From:	T.jackson30@verizon.net
Date:	Sun Dec 23 17:30:55 2001
URL:	http://
Message:	Enjoyed your site very much. It is 55 years since last I  visited my aunt, Lydia Jackson, in Seaton Sluice. She used  to be the very popular manager at the Astley Arms, before,  during and after world war II. She passed on about 1978 and  I lost contact with my Jackson cousins. My question for you  is can you put me in contact with a local newspaper or  genealogical society which might help me locate them. Their  names then were Lydia and James Jackson.  Thank you for any help you may provide and  Seasons Greetings from Annapolis, Maryland, USA.
From:	gaynor22@gaynor81.freeserve.co.uk
Date:	Thu Nov 22 22:08:16 2001
URL:	http://
Message:	Have you any infomation, especially pictures of the  unconcecrated mausoleum? if so please inform me!   from Daniel
From:	JacobRi@aol.com
Date:	Sat Nov 17 05:42:48 2001
URL:	http://
Message:	I would love to come to your Tuesday evenings, I'm Seaton  Sluice born and bred and loved my childhood in the village,  and have fond memories of Charlies Garden as it used to be,  and being able to visit ther Church of Our Lady of Delaval  which used to be open all the time, and marvelling at the  Bishops Throne, which was so wickedly stolen. I must thank  you very much for such a lovely Website, it has been a  pleasure to read, Brendan Riley
From:	Robert Thomson
Date:	Tue Oct 30 14:19:36 2001
URL:	http://rothomson@aol.com
Message:	I recently found an old friend on your guestbook pages and  have been in touch. thank you.
From:	T Whitiker
Date:	Fri Oct 19 23:46:04 2001
URL:	http://
Message:	A very good Web site this which I stumbled on as feeling a  little home sick.    Some questions that I have from growing up in Sluice    1: Monks Cave    I was one of a number of lads who were in all probablity  the last few people to get into the cave.    There is no history that I can find with regard to what  this was.  Talk at the time was that the initial rock covered walls  were dug by Monks (I can only asume from Tynemouth or  Lindisfarne) but after that point we crawled through a  concerte pipe and into what was essentially a WW2 base.  There was rumours that you could climb up from this point  into the field of ww2 earthworks on Crag point, but I never  witnessed this done found the passge from above.    I am still prety annoyed that they blew up the enterance,  as undoubtably it was a little dangerous, but incredibly  exciting, and mysterious all the same. Opened up again it  would be an incredible tourist attraction.  We heard that the Army had found a certain ancient artifact  in the cave when they were extending the interior, which  made them stop imediatly, and extend no further. There  were also rumours that that very thing had functioned  during an attempted inavasion by Hitler but had knocked him  back, so much so that the invasion itself, was hushed up by  both sides, and the cave hidden, and the artifact burried  within.  Any way do any of you esteemed members know more of the  factual history of Monks Cave. substantiated by fact if  possible. or perhaps it really was blown up to protect what  was really hidden within.    I would also like to know more or view pictures of the  railway lines around Sluice, including what must have been  a substantial Viaduct across the Dean.    Has anyone also been inside the old tunnels for the Glass  Chimney, Alas bricked up as well, but I do seem to remember  as a child that they were partly open.    has their been any digs to attempt to find the old hall  which was thought to be a Norman Tower, I heard that the  New HAll was not built exactly on the same site.    Finally, is the Mausoleum going to be fixed up, or will it  end its days in the same way poor Starlight has.    I thank you so much, and look forward to your reply    osiris@osirion.fsworld.co.uk
From:	Steve Erwood
Date:	Fri Sep 28 13:44:54 2001
URL:	http://
Message:	What a joy to find this site! As a former resident of  Queen's Road for several years at the beginning of the  1990s, I fell deeply in love with Seaton Sluice and Holywell  Dene. I have many happy memories of walks up to Starlight  Castle with my dog; of Saturday nights round the piano in  the Top House; and of cosy Sunday tea-times at Castaways. I  live in Amsterdam now, so it's a little more difficult these  days to make a return visit - but I still cherish a painting  of Charley's Garden which hangs on my wall here in Holland!  With best regards to you all,  Steve  steve.erwood@ams.greenpeace.org
From:	P Burrows@
Date:	Fri Aug 10 12:29:23 2001
URL:	http://Pearson.com
Message:	Enjoyed your site i used to live at the waterford arms  with my auntie and uncle from 1977 to 1981 and had good  times in the village and was married at the chuch of our  lady to wendy Robson of dereham road seaton sluice keep  up the good work from P Burrows Bromley Kent
From:	paul burns
Date:	Wed Aug 8 18:13:17 2001
URL:	http://paulburns.4@ntlworld.com
Message:	Does the sluice still work today?  If so does the sound of the sluice sound like a portcullis?  If not is there anything there sound like a portcullis?  What I mean by this when you wind or unwind the mechonism.  Sorry about the strange questions. Its for a competition.  Thanks for any help.  Paul
From:	Nancy
Date:	Mon Jul 23 22:48:13 2001
URL:	http://haggan@btinternet.com
Message:	Seaton Sluice brings back many a fond memory! as a child we  were taken there most Sundays during the summer - is there  still loads of seaweed? We lived at Burradon at the time. I  now live in Staffordshire but take every opportunity  to "come home" when I can: next time I will visit Seaton  Sluice, does anyone know any good B & B's or caravans for  rent?
From:	The Gasons
Date:	Mon Jul 23 08:01:24 2001
URL:	www.mickyg3@hotmail.com
Message:	We lived in Seaton Sluice in 1997 and found the web site  not long ago. It has been great to see all the old sites  and show our friends & family where we lived.    PS We are from Australia
From:	Mick Gason
Date:	Tue Jul 17 09:13:28 2001
URL:	http://
Message:	G'day, from Australia. I had the fortune to live in Seaton  Sluice a few years back right near the Astley Arms. Found  your site and it rekindled a few memories. Thanks Guys.
From:	MickVail@aol.com
Date:	Wed Apr 11 18:20:33 2001
URL:
Message:	Could you please tell me when the Kings Arms was built.
From:	Bill Riley
Date:	Sun Mar 18 21:50:18 2001
URL:	http://www.pitwork.net
Message:	Great web site, easy to navigate and fantastic information.  I remember sitting on a bench last year and looking out to  sea. It wasn't the best of days weather wise, but I really  enjoyed it.
From:	r.todd1@ntlworld.com
Date:	Mon Mar 12 21:24:07 2001
URL:	http://
Message:	When I was a child in the early 60s, I saw a postcard  of "Rocky Island" Seaton Sluice,showing a photograph of  the "Island" when it still had cottages on it.  As my Great Great Grandparents Johnathan & Joanna Ions  lived in one of the cottages in the 19th and early 20th  centuries, I would love to be able to get a copy of this  postcard, or any photograph showing the Rocky Island  Cottages.I would be very grateful if anyone could let me  know where I might be able to get a copy of any such  photograph. Thank you very much for any help you may offer.  Regards,  Ray Todd.
From:	Ron Carr
Date:	Mon Dec 4 00:26:00 2000
URL:	http://www.ronc@econsult.com.au
Message:	Found your site and found it very interesting.  My father (George Carr) lived in the watermill in Holywell  Dene until he married. He then lived above a shop in Seaton  Sluice Holdene Dairy? which was my first home (in 1943) The  shop later taken over by the Speeds (My aunt and uncle).  Norman Speed (uncle) then went on to become MAyou of  Whitley Bay. I live in Sydney Australia now but still feel  many links to the Dene and the Sluice.