Thousand years of Staindrop's past covered in new book

A THOUSAND years of fascinating Staindrop history has been gathered and saved in a long-awaited book.

The Lords of Raby and Staindrop, by JW Broumley, will be launched on November 17, at Scarth Hall, after years of effort by the late Lord Barnard, Mr Broumley’s grandson and two committed villagers.

Jennifer Priestley and Hylene Bowman, from Staindrop, helped to fund the reprinting of a combined volume when they noticed copies were becoming thin on the ground.

Ms Bowman said: “Jennifer and I talked about it a long time ago.

“There was about half a dozen originals on thinner paper and the copies gradually disappeared over the years.

“We thought it would be a shame if they were lost.”

The books, published in the 1950s, tracked the history of the village and Raby Castle from the 11th century to the modern era.

Mr Broumley, a retired headmaster of Staindrop School, finished his detailed compendium in 1957 after spending many days at Raby Castle compiling the books and conversing with Lord Barnard.

His volumes detailed the life and times of the village and Raby Castle tracking its greens, its homes and St Mary’s Church through the ages. Ms Priestley asked Lord Barnard whether he could help revive a combined volume and he obliged – offering to print 300 copies in a special bound book.

Mr Broumley’s grandson, Dr JB Frankton, part funded the £4,000 work and helped proof read the final draft.

When the 16th Lord Barnard died last year its printing was delayed but its run has now been completed.

Ms Priestley said the book could offer something for everyone.

She added: “It was absolutely full of information and I think everyone locally will find something of interest.

“I have used it a few times for bits of research and I’ve found it fascinating.”

A function with Staindrop History Society and a talk by Chris Lloyd, from the Northern Echo, on Cockfield Fell will launch the volume.

It is expected to then go on sale at Raby Castle’s cafe and shop after the launch at a price of £19.50 with all profits going to the church.

To order a copy or find out more information, contact Ms Priestley on 01833 660428

or Ms Bowman on 01833 660323.