242 Report of the Meetings for 1893. 



the top storey of the house, where they were shown a secret 

 chamber known as the "Priest's Hole," into which several 

 members went. It was used in times of danger for retiring into. 

 At the rear of the building there was pointed out some of the 

 remains of the original castle, which had been built by Boger 

 Thornton, who died in 1429. 



Mr Walker made reference to the connection which Robert 

 TroUope, the architect, had with Netherwitton and the Moot 

 Hall, Newcastle, as well as with Capheaton Hall. At one time 

 in his journey either to or from Scotland, Oliver Cromwell in 

 1651, with nine regiments of foot and two of dragoons made the 

 hall his headquarters for two days. Lord Lovat had been there 

 as a friend of the Thorntons. A well preserved stone was seen 

 inserted in the wall. It bore the inscription " Anno Regis 

 Edwardi Quinti," (in the year of Edward the Fifth.) The site 

 and dimensions of the old chapel were clearly defined. Mr 

 Walker stated that among the items connected with the Nether- 

 witton Church, was one relating so far back as 1680, when in 

 the presentment it was stated, "We have not a large Church 

 Bible or a chest for alms, but are endeavouring to procure them; 

 we. have not a decent pulpit, but are about repairing it." Mr 

 Wm. Thornton and Mrs Mary Thornton and 68 others were 

 presented at the same time as Papists. 



After seeing through the gardens the whole party re-assembled 

 in front of the hall, when on the motion of the President, Capt. J. 

 R. Carr-EUison, Mr and Mrs Trevelyan were thanked for the 

 cordial and hospitable manner in which they had received and 

 entertained the members on their visit to the historic seat. 



The whole party then made the return journey by way of 

 Longwitton, Dyke Neuk, and Mitford, to the Queen's Head 

 (Miss Robinson's) where dinner was served in an excellent 

 manner, the President occupying the chair. The whole pro- 

 ceedings went off without a single hitch, the weather throughout 

 being of a most delightful description. 



The following were proposed for membership : — Mr John 

 Dalglelsh, Rothley Crag, Cambo ; Rev. Arthur Edward Macnay, 

 EUingham, ChathiU ; J. P. F. Philip, M.D., Morpeth. 



The following Notes on the visit of the B.N.C. to Nether- 

 witton were contributed by the Rev. Matthew J. Culley, 

 Longhorsley. 



