Left Scotland, at last the prospect of warmth & dryness. Left Perth in the rain and visited Cragside on the way down to Beamish. Weather much better, first time warm for a week. Cragside is William Armstrong's home. WA started from nothing to found a business based on hydraulics in cranes, then weapons and warships. He joined with Whitworth, who standardised engineering threads and measurement to form one of Britain's most successful businesses. His home is amazing - built 1870's it has central heating, hot cold running water, hydro-electric lighting, hydraulic lift, Turkish bath, sauna, electric spit roasts. The gardens are magnificent, there is a 6 mile scenic drive through lakes, moorland & forests. Simply stunning. The Prince of Wales visited & WA built a wonderful room with the most magnificent marble inglenook fireplace, & 2 ensuite bedrooms for them to use, incredible.
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