Darlington, Roman remains, and how the grandfather clock got its name

We spent two nights in Darlington with my aunt, arriving late on the Saturday evening. I couldn't resist taking this picture of four diesel locomotives coupled together at the station.


The next day, after church and lunch, we drove to Piercebridge and walked to the remains of a Roman fort and bridge over the River Tees. Unfortunately I had forgotten to take my camera with me, so no photos!

We walked past the George Hotel, where my cousin Victoria's wedding reception was held. The George is perhaps better known for its long case clock - and its coincidences - which inspired the million-selling nineteenth century song by Henry Clay Work: "My Grandfather's Clock". A result of the popularity of this song was that long case clocks became to be known as grandfather clocks.

Then, on Monday morning, it was back to the station for a train to Berwick-upon-Tweed, our base for the next couple of days.


Darlington Market Hall clock tower


statue of Joseph Pease, a founder of the Stockton to Darlington Railway, the first in the world to carry passengers


one of the four tableaux around the base of the statue


Auntie Pauline and Jan