‘Secrets’ of Teesdale will be revealed

A NEW book which delves into the fascinating history and unusual facts about Teesdale is due for release in January.
Written by former resident Andrew Graham Stables, Secret Barnard Castle and Teesdale has a host of stories people might not know about.
Mr Stables, who was born in Barnard Castle and grew up in Lartington before moving to York, began writing his collection of “Secret” books when he started researching the A66. The Teesdale book follows the success of his previous efforts Secret Penrith and Secret Kendal.
He said: “The writing started because I could not find a definitive history of the Stainmore Pass from Catterick to Penrith. As I started my research, I was amazed at all the stories I uncovered and started to build up my notes with the ultimate aim of telling the story of this most ancient route.
“I have used some of this research in the three books but I may still publish this book later under the working title of Pennine Bridge.”
The author has also drawn on local people for specific inclusions regarding people from the past.
David Charlesworth, Cynthia Mackenzie, Gary Marshall and others were consulted on a heroic postman, the chapel in Newbiggin and a noteworthy hermit. The book includes the story of a Brigantean queen who ruled a vast kingdom, a secret visit by Churchill during the Second World War and the ill-fated romance of a Canadian Spitfire pilot. He said: “The book has been a labour of love and I could have easily filled two books with the amount of history which permeates from this beautiful dale.”
The book is filled with interesting facts, references to the natural beauty and buildings throughout the dale; it also includes some of the fortifications, battles and events that have shaped the region’s history. Within its pages there are some of the well-known histories of Teesdale but also some of the lesser known, all contained within bite-sized vignettes.Along with the stories, the book contains colour photographs as well as a few historical photographs from the Parkin Raine Trust.
Secret Barnard Castle and Teesdale is due to be released on the January 15 but is available to pre-order from the Teesdale Mercury or online from www.amberleybooks.com plus any of the well-known online book retailers.