91Èȱ¬

When earlier this year, thousands of people flocked to the latest stately home to open its doors to the masses.

For Inside Out we've been following the Trust as it broke its usual rules to get the newest property ready for the public. It all happened at breakneck speed but did the Trust bite off more than it could chew? You can find out at 7.30pm on 91Èȱ¬1 on 15 November 2010.

I was among the thousands who went along to snoop around the grand house and grounds near , but little did I realise my connection with Seaton Delaval Hall.

In fact I only found out myself last Saturday when I met up with a long lost cousin who'd done our family history. It turns out our grand parents were married in the fabulous Norman which sits close to the hall.

It was originally the family chapel, but one of the Delavals gifted it to the and so it became the local parish church.

Grandma was born in as her dad was a carpenter in the local pit.

The picture of my Nan and Grandpa on their wedding day was obviously taken somewhere else in the area, as the background is definitely not the church itself. I have yet to work out where that was taken.

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However as you can see I do have the card given by the vicar to my ancestors. It not only marks their union but has some rather prim and proper instructions for the husband and wife on how to behave toward each other.

A word to the newly married: Let the Husband

• 1) Be patient and considerate to his wife.
• 2) Let him not leave her all the work to do.
• 3) Let him cheer her up when he sees that she is getting disheartened.

Let the wife remember that her first duties are at home

• 1) To submit to her husband.
• 2) To make his home cheerful and happy.
• 3) To make him after God the first in her thoughts.

Not sure my Nan was quite so obedient when I knew her in later life!

When we filmed over the Summer months I had no idea I was walking around in my folks' footsteps.

As you will see in our programme the trust took a leap of faith in opening the part ruined hall so soon. The aim is for it to be a proper part of the local community. Have you been as a visitor and what did you think?

Let me know by adding your comments to this blog..

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