In a message dated 16/06/2004 23:12:44 GMT Daylight Time, janadele@bigpond.net.au writes: I have noticed recent postings mentioning BARNARD CASTLE. I had previously thought this was an actual castle, I am now wondering if it is instead a district, town or city perhaps? . . It is a market town in the Tees valley, named after its mediaeval castle, built there by Barnard Baliol and the scene of Sir George Bowes' spirited defence against the rebels in the Rising of the North in 1569. It is known for its associations with Charles Dickens, who stayed there, at the King's Head, when researching Teesdale schools for "Nicholas Nickleby" and who at the same time was intrigued by a clock standing in a shop belonging to someone called Humphrey - and so was inspired to write "Master Humphrey's Clock". Barnard Castle is the site of the excellent Bowes Museum, which has a claim to consider the famous Beamish Museum as one of its "spsin-offs". It is located in a rather incongruous French Chateau, built by John Bowes for his French (ex-actress) wife. Barnard Castle is also the home of the Northern Counties school, one of the leading Public Boarding Schools in the north of England. Barnard Castle was the centre of an ancient parish of that name, with St Mary's as its parish church. The town and anything associated with it is often referred to locally just as "Barny". . . Geoff Nicholson . 57 Manor Park, Concord, WASHINGTON, Tyne & Wear NE37 2BU Ask for details of NBL/DUR family history research in depth by THE local expert, working for YOU.