As American Independence Day is here again, I thought your readers might be interested to know
 that the North East of England, where I live, has a connection to the First President of the United States.

The village of Washington is now surrounded by a modern town,
but it contains a 17th Century manor house - Washington Old Hall -which is the smallest of the National Trust properties in England.

 In 1183 William de Hertburn brought his family to this place,
and, as was the custom at the time, changed his name to William de Wessyngton,
taking the name from the land on which they lived. This name eventually became Washington.

The present Hall is built on 12th century foundations, and the main building still retains some features from the original house.

Five generations of the Washington family lived here, before moving south, and then emigrating to Virginia in 1657.

I visited the Hall last week, with the intention of some new photos...
but unfortunately the rain came down, and got in the way of my plans!

I enclose a view of the house itself, one of the ornamental gardens at the entrance,
and a picture of the "Uncle" Sam bears in the main garden - sheltered under the trees!

Happy Independence Day!
John
the phoenix