Generous pledges to save Seaton Delaval Hall

Oct 18 2008 by Dan Warburton, The Journal

THE great and the good turned out in style last night to show their support for one of Northumberland’s most iconic stately homes.

Seaton Delaval Hall, near Seaton Sluice, was decked out to welcome the guests.

The dinner was staged in an effort to raise cash to buy the hall for the National Trust so it can be used for the benefit of the public.

Last night prominent figures from the region pledged their support to the campaign.

Andrew Davison, of the Muckle law firm, said: “The dinner was tremendous – you couldn’t have asked for anything more.

“The food was delicious and the venue was spectacular.

“I thoroughly support the National Trust’s proposed acquisition of Seaton Delaval Hall as it has so much potential as an attraction that would bring people to the region and certainly boost local business.

“I would urge everyone to make a donation to help save this magnificent place for everyone to enjoy for years to come. Whether that donation is small or large, every bit counts in an appeal like this.”

Among those at last night’s black- tie dinner was Dame Margaret Barbour, chairman of clothing company J Barbour and Sons, of South Shields, and former managing director of Greggs, Sir Mike Darrington.

And last night they all got behind the National Trust attempt to raise £1m to buy the hall by putting their hands in their pockets and making generous donations.

Gillian Dodd, donor development manager for the National Trust and organiser of the dinner, said: “We really are pleased that it was an evening to remember.

“Our guests share the National Trust’s hope to raise the target sum by Christmas so that Seaton Delaval Hall can stay open for everyone – and they are all giving generously.

“We don’t have the final value of their donations yet , but we are truly delighted that it already looks as though it could be a six-figure sum.”

The mansion was built between 1718 and 1729 by English architect Sir John Vanbrugh.

With its bold, daring and dramatic architectural style, it is widely regarded as one of the greatest masterpieces of the English Baroque period. Yet the hall and its grounds could now be turned into a hotel, a golf club or another commercial development unless the National Trust can raise about £13m to save it for the nation.

Its owner, Lord Hastings, is selling Seaton Delaval Hall, along with its gardens, grounds and a large area of the surrounding countryside.