The Family

On 23rd September 1947, Patricia was born.

On 12th August 1950, the cottages that Jenny and George lived in was burnt to the ground, whilst outside painting work was being carried out. The family were re-housed in a flat, The Library House, in Bamburgh Castle.

Pat can remember the French Lady Armstrong coming for a walk and calling in for a cup of tea. She was then the Dowedger Lady Armstrong. The other apartments were rented mostly by famous actors and actresses from London. The family moved from Bamburgh Castle in 1955 into another cottage in Bamburgh.

George had to get lighter work than farm work as he hurt his back. Mrs Susan Morton bought 5 The Wynding after her husband died for £3000.00. George went to work for her there as a chauffeur/gardener. Her brother Captain Storey, a retired army captain, also came to live with her. Jenny also used to work there to help with cooking and later, when Captain Storey died and Mrs Morton became frail, Jenny nursed her for a few years. When she died in 1970, she left the house, the contents and the Rover car to Jenny and George in her will. They decided the only way that they could keep the house was to run it as a B&B. The family slept on the top floor, letting the 5 bedrooms below.

George ran a taxi business doing weddings with the Rover. Lady Armstrong (The Italian Countess) was one of George’s regular customers for many years.

George & Jenny held many parties in their home over the years. It was known as the party house and Jenny was famous for her cooking and her coffee with coffee mate (brandy!)

Pat and Martin married in 1973 and had Mark (in 1976) and Peter (in 1979). Unfortunately Martin died in 1993 from a heart attack.

Trevor and Elaine married in 1994, and had Shona in 1990. Unfortunately, Trevor died in 2013.

Jenny and George carried on with their work for many years, until they reached their 80’s.

George died on 14th October 2014, aged 96 years, and Jenny dies 11th September 2018, aged 97 years.

In their wills, they asked if Pat, Mark, Peter and Shona would try to keep the house stating, “It was a gift to us so we want to pass the gift onto our children and great grandchildren.”

Mark married Hayley in 2010 and they have 3 children, George and twin girls, Lily and Maisie.