A Sunderland great grandmother, descended from one of Northumberland's oldest families, paid an 'emotional' visit to her ancestral home.
Margaret Pickard, formerly Errington, 84 of Fulwell, learned about her lineage during the Covid-19 lockdown.
Research by her son Steve revealed the Errington family lived in Northumberland since before the Norman Conquest in 1066.
The research also revealed a historic building linked to the family, now functioning as an award-winning pub.
The Blackbird in Ponteland stands on the site where Henry III of England and Alexander of Scotland signed a peace treaty in the 13th century.
The building was ruined by an army of Scots retreating from battle, and was later rebuilt as a manor house by Mark Errington.
Ms Pickard and family paid a visit to the pub.
"It was so emotional for mam," Steve shared.
"They looked after us beautifully and they showed us where our ancestor’s memory is preserved on a plaque.
“We’ve always been interested in history as a family but when you can place your own family members at the heart of it all it just makes it really come alive.
“We can’t stop thinking about Mark Errington and his family and the lives they must have lived and it’s fantastic that his home is not only still standing but has been so carefully preserved and cared for.”
Stuart Young, owner of Northumberland Pub Company, said: “The Blackbird is one of the oldest inns in the North East and it was lovely to welcome the descendants of a family who had once called it home."
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