Blackwell Grange

After her death at the age of 68 in 1785, the local newspapers reported just why her passing deserved to be lamented: "Possessed of an ample fortune, she dispensed blessings to all around her.

Born in 1712, he was the fourteenth and only surviving son of Nicholas, the youngest brother of the George Allan who had first acquired the land on which Blackwell Grange was built.

James had more than a passing interest in things historical, as did his son, yet another George Allan, born in 1736 and known as ‘The Antiquary’, who was Blackwell's next owner.

Born on the Blackwell Estate at Darlington in 1904, he is best-remembered as a brilliant film producer who co founded Cine Guilds and whose early works include Brief Encounter, In Which We serve, and Great Expectations whose later works included Peter Collinson's Up the Junction of 1968, Franco Zeffirelli's Romeo and Juliet and David Lean's Ryan's Daughter.

After several changes of ownership Blackwell Grange is now in the hands of Bruhenny Hotels which embarked on a refurbishment programme in 2018 to restore the grand house to its former glory.