Seaton Delaval Hall open to public after two-year campaign

May 3 2010 by David Black, The Journal

FAMILIES who supported the campaign to save Seaton Delaval Hall for the nation have been flocking to the historic property over the weekend to see the results of their efforts.

New owner the National Trust opened the doors of the stately 18th century mansion to the public on Saturday morning, after a two-year fundraising campaign, backed by The Journal, brought in £4m to preserve Sir John Vanbrugh’s masterpiece for public enjoyment.

People from all over the country have made their way to the property and its 400 acres of land in the last two days, when they have been able to enjoy the historic splendour of the main hall’s central block, parts of the west wing, the cellars, stables, gardens and paddock.

More than 900 people came through the gate on Saturday, a similar number turned up yesterday and by the end of the today it is expected that more than 3,000 will have visited the ancestral home of the Hastings family.

Visitors have been entertained over the weekend by a folk duo and the Newcastle Choral Society, theatrical group the November Club has been helping with special guided tours and the Trust has had 10 members of staff and 20 volunteers on site to show people around.

Among the crowds yesterday were mum Karen Graham of Low Fell, her daughters Ella, two, and five-week-old Clara, and her mother Linda Gillard of Gosforth. Karen said: “This is our first visit as a family and we are really enjoying it so far.

“The place is very beautiful and the staff have been great, and are doing a sterling job with all the people here.

“We are National Trust members and supported the fundraising campaign so we were very keen to be here on the opening weekend as long as the weather was OK. Ella has been having a wonderful time in the gardens.”

Jennifer Jobe and her husband Ken, from Newcastle, were exploring the hall with son Alastair, daughter-in-law Rita and grandchildren Austin, three, and Aidan, six months.