THE official opening of a North Tyne boutique hotel saw the launch of an appeal for information on the building’s long history.

Hexham’s MP Guy Opperman cut the ribbon to officially open Walwick Hall last Friday, meeting owner Rachel Batson and seeing for himself the transformation of the 18th century Grade II listed stately home.

Having opened its doors in October, the hotel, on the Chester’s Estate near Humshaugh, offers 10 impressive bedrooms, a quality seasonal menu, Elemis spa and newly-fitted gym.

After a busy few months, Rachel said the hotel had been popular with visitors and locals alike.

She explained that a new social media campaign, #walwickmemories, aimed to discover some unknown history from the building’s past.

“During the launch weekend, people were coming in with stories of how it had played a part in their lives,” she said.

“The old butler’s child and the cook’s child, who grew up in this house together, were both here that weekend. It was quite emotional for them to come back. It’s lovely to get stories like that.

“We wanted a way to document past memories and we are hoping to create more memories from now.

“We are saying to people, if you come for a birthday party or stay, go onto Facebook and record your memories.”

Mr Opperman was given the chance to look around the hotel and discover what it had to offer.

He said: “The first thing I thought was that it’s fantastic; I was blown away. This place is very special on a number of levels. The renovation of the traditional building is a very sympathetic and supportive one, creating 33 local jobs.

“More specifically, there is living history here. Anything we can do to try and kick-start those memories and support the understanding of this great building and great area, I am very keen to get behind.”

Mr Opperman advised Rachel to get in touch with local history societies to help with her search for information.

Although it is believed the mansion dates back to the 1700s, there are gaps along the way. History shows it was the home of John Clayton, a local historian who carried out some of the first archaeological excavations on Hadrian’s Wall, during the 19th century.

“Everybody knows the stories of Clayton, and Walwick now exists on the stories of these amazing characters,” Mr Opperman added.

“This hotel is an important addition to the tourist and local offer.

“When you have such a destination hotel as this, people come to the area just to come here.

“They are then staying extra nights in Northumberland and visiting shops and services. We didn’t have such a venue for visitors to Hadrian’s Wall before.

“This hotel will win a lot of awards; there is nothing like this in the North of any comparable nature.”

People are encouraged to take to social media with the hashtag #walwickmemories to document their memories old and new.