Grace Darling & self catering in Northumberland

Crime thrillers are great reads and anyone who has ever read John Connolly's books will remember how he talks about the honeycomb world, where the past lies just below the present and what we see and do are so strongly influenced by what went before. This holds true for Northumberland where in many places the past sits alongside us.

For instance....Grace Darling, who, through one heroic act has left a legacy which endures down the years.

To quote from the Grace Darling Museum

Grace Darling was 22 years old when she risked her life in an open boat to help the survivors of the wrecked SS Forfarshire on 7 September 1838. With her father, she rowed for over a mile through raging seas to reach them. The courage that Grace and her family showed on that day is now legendary.
Grace was the media celebrity of her day. She was celebrated internationally and was showered with honours, including the RNLI's Silver Medal for Gallantry.

Even in these busy modern times it is amazing how many people know her story and ask about her.

Sir William Russell Flint., Bamburgh and Seahouses

Reading a recent publication of North East Life we came across a mention about Sir William Russell Flint ( 1880 - 1969) a Scottish artist with great skill in water colours. He is quoted as saying
" No sands are more beautiful than those between Bamburgh and Seahouses on the Northumbrian coast". He would stay in the Ship Inn and paint his nude models, undisturbed amongst the dunes along the beach.

Other famous residents include

William George Armstrong...he of Cragside fame.

Grace Darling of course

and Prideaux John Selby the Victorian ornithologist and naturalist.