A NEW book uncovering historic secrets about the dale has gone on sale.
Written by history author Andrew Graham Stables, Secret Barnard Castle and Teesdale takes a close look at landmarks, people and events that have shaped the area into what it is today.
A former Teesdale School pupil, Mr Stables was born in Barnard Castle and raised in Lartington before moving to his current home in York.
He has previously written books uncovering the myths and mysteries of Penrith and Kendal.
This third book in his Secret series and was inspired by research Mr Stables completed on the A66.
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,” he added.
Secret Barnard Castle and Teesdale is filled with interesting facts and 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 famous tales of Teesdale, but also some lesser known stories, all contained within bite-sized vignettes.
A particularly fascinating part of the book is the final chapter, entitled Amazing Stories, which contains hidden gems of information about the dale.
One such tale is that of treasure found at Thwaites Hall, in Cotherstone, in 1784. It was reported that workmen had uncovered a lead jar full of pieces of silver said to date back to Henry I in the 12th century.
Another recounts two gruesome murders in Wycliffe in the 15th century.
Among the more colourful characters recorded in the book is Frank Shields, better known as Barnard Castle Hermit.
Little is known of his early life, but by 1851 he was living in the round tower within the walls of Barnard Castle. He made a living by growing and selling vegetables and giving guided tours of the castle. One of those who enjoyed a tour was Alice’s Adventures In Wonderland author Lewis Carroll.
Viking Eric Bloodaxe is also mentioned.
Along with the dale’s most famous landmarks such as Raby Castle, The Bowes Museum and the Market Cross, Mr Stables highlights some lesser known buildings including Mortham Tower and the remains of St Michael’s Church, both on Rokeby Estate, and Dirt Pitt Convent Chapel, in Newbiggin.
Events that feature are The Battle of Hunderthwaite, famine in the early 1600s and the Holwich School strike of 1838.
Major weather events are recorded and one particularly nasty incident occurred in September 1824 when a flash of lightning went down the chimney of the poorhouse in Barnard Castle.
Mr Stables writes: “The strike came out of the fireplace on the first floor, past some old men sitting around the fire, proceeded to the next room and tore plaster from the wall, ripped up some boards, then passed under an old woman in bed. The flash dropped to the lower level and played around the room with an astonishing manner leaving marks of its power before going through the wall to the kitchen where it knocked a man down.
“The fireball passed out of the backdoor.”
The book is published by Amberley Publishing and is available from the Teesdale Mercury shop.
