Reunion of the Family of

HYLTON - HILTON - HELTON

. 

Hylton Castle, Monkwearmouth, England

 May 2007 Exact dates to be advised

See; Ancestry of Hylton - Hilton - Helton

ITINERARY (Subject to alteration)

Daytime; Arrive Durham, England.

- Durham is ideally situated in the centre of the United Kingdom mid-way between London in the south of England and Aberdeen in the north of Scotland. The local airport is Newcastle upon Tyne, and is approx 1 hour flying time from Heathrow airport. Alternatively, there is an excellent train service from Kings Cross Station in the centre of London direct to Durham Station, approx travelling time by rail -  2.5 hours. Paris or Amsterdam are only 1 hour's direct flying away.  Family members should plan to arrive in Durham no later than 5 p.m. to allow time to book into their hotel and attend the evening reception. Direct flights will be available from JFK New York to Newcastle upon Tyne International Airport. There are excellent onward connections by both air and ferry to Europe and Scandanavia

Durham City

Durham is an ancient city. The cathedral, "Half Church of God, half Castle 'gainst the Scot", is widely acclaimed as one of the world's finest buildings. At the foot of the castle and cathedral, Durham's medieval layout is still evident in the narrow winding streets. Away from the bustle of the busy shopping streets, the beautiful wooded riverbanks offer a haven of peace with pleasant walks and boat trips on the River Wear.

Informal Reception and buffet - "REUNION" - Meet the International Family"

Your chance to meet long lost relatives from around the world at an informal buffet reception be be held on the evening of July 3rd 2001. Meet descendents of the Hilton/Hylton and Helton families from America, Canada, England, and around the world will be attending. A unique coming together of one of England's oldest and noblest families that has contributed so much to world history. A unique event.

4th July - A Day to Remember!

Reflect on the words written by the Rev Proctor Swaby of Monkwearmouth in 1884.

"The old stone tower of Hylton still stands, grim and grey with the age of nearly one thousand years upon it; but what of it's builders, what of the children born within it's walls, the mothers who nursed them, and the fathers who told them tales of daring in field and in flood?. Those old lords of Hilton, once daring, boisterous, and hard fighters, have struck their last stroke with the glittering steel; they have mounted their war-horses for the last time, and have ridden on - into eternity - their jesting and feasting all over, their brawling and fighting all ended, their cares and hopes all past, and they sleep their last sleep under "the massive tomb in the church's dusty aisle", or resting unnamed under the stars. The bustle of life goes on as before, but they heed it no more for ever. These stones of their old keep in which they lived, and the chapel in which they worshipped, are nearly all which connects our present with their past"

On 4th July 2004, more than 100 years after those words were written,  the descendents of the Hylton - Hilton - Helton families from around the world will tread in their forefather's footsteps round Hylton Castle which still stands proudly overlooking the River Wear.- a unique experience! 

Examine the traces of a lifestyle long gone in one of the most fascinating displays of early heraldry displayed on castle walls in the whole of England. They trace the marriages of the Hyltons to some of the most powerful families in early England. Stroll round St Katherine's chapel, once the preaching ground of John Davenport, founder of the New Haven Colony, in Connecticut where Yale University now stands. Reflect on what happened here and how it was to influence the course of world history.

An unforgettable experience you will never forget! See; HyltonHeraldry.htm

St Peters Church, Monkwearmouth. Built 674 A.D.

A visit to St Peters Church at nearby Monkwearmouth. Built in 674 A.D. it contains a monument to a member of the early Hylton family. It is probably here that the Hyltons, thought to be of Viking origin, were converted to Christianity. See; HyltonVikings

St Peter's Church at Monkwearmouth is one of the most interesting and important of the ancient Christian shrines in the country, for the monasteries of Monkwearmouth and Jarrow were homes of Christian civilization with a wide influence at a critical time in history. Founded by Benedict Biscop, it was here that Bede wrote "An ecclesiastical history of the English People" one of the first books ever written in England. They kindled and handed on a torch both of learning and of Christian sanctity that brought light to many lives throughout the United Kingdom and around the world. Regardless of your religion, to know something of their history is to be inspired by the power of Christianity, a power which is no less relevant for today than it was for the early centuries.

Biddick, Washington

It was here, that William Hilton lived. He sailed to America in 1621 and rescued the settlers who had sailed to Plymouth on the Mayflower, a year earlier. He was joined by his cousin Edward Hylton, from nearby South Shields and his wife and children. Biddick was owned by the Hylton family and is situated a few miles from Hylton Castle. William Hilton lived at North Biddick Hall (now demolished). Originally known as Ullkills, it was from here that the Vikings disembarked from their longboats to march across country in winter to reach their Kingdom in Dublin. After the demise of the Hylton Estate, Biddick became a no-go area in 18th century. Even the press gangs looking for crews for the convict ships built on the River dare not enter. Today you can enjoy a drink at the riverside pub in a tranquil setting overlooking the river.

Washington Old Hall

Ancestral home of the de Wessyngton family, now known as the Washingtons. It was George Washington, a direct descendent of the de Wessyngton family who became First President of the United States of America. Visited by President Carter in 1977, you can join in the 4th of July Independence Day celebrations with the local schoolchildren, held each year to promote international understanding An experience both you and they will enjoy! See;www.AncestryUK.com/WashingtonAncestry.htm 

.Elizabethan Banquet

Step straight into the pages of Elizabethan history at a Banquet at nearby Lumley Castle, owned by the Earl of Scarborough and now a luxury hotel. Enjoy a feast of fine food, wine, mead and entertainment in this magnificent 14th Century Castle. Live like Lords and Ladies. A world of gallant Knights, gracious ladies, feasting and merriment. Enjoy period singing and good humour presented by the Court Chamberlain, Musicians and Ladies of the Court, all in traditional costume, whilst feasting yourself on succulent food, wine and mead. Reception 7.30 p.m.

July 5th

"RIVER OF DESTINY" 

Follow in the footsteps of the Englishmen who became some of the earliest American settlers. Includes visits to;

Raby Castle - English home of Sir Henry Vane, First Governor of New England 1636-7. Originally the home of the Nevilles, the Vane family bought Raby Castle off Queen Elizabeth I after the Rising of the North in 1569. Set in a 200 acre deer park, it has now been the home to Lord Barnard's family for over 370 years. The Castle contains fine period furniture and paintings and the stables house a collection of horse-drawn carriages.

 Bowes Museum -

A French-style chateau housing one of Britain's finest museums and containing two early paintings of Hylton Castle. It's collections are designated as "pre-eminent", giving national recognition to their outstanding quality. They include the largest collection of French paintings in the Country and one of the largest collections of Spanish paintings, furniture, ceramics, textiles and local antiquities. Attractive gardens with parterre. Cafe.

Durham Cathedral - 

This magnificent Norman cathedral is one of the great architectural experiences of Europe. Founded in 1093, it is the shrine of St Cuthbert and a focus of Christian worship in the diocese of Durham.Together with it's adjacent castle it is a World Heritage Site

Penshaw Monument - to John George Lambton, First Governor General of Canada. Overlooking Hylton Castle, Washington Old Hall and the Lambton Estates this monument pays tribute to John George Lambton, First Earl of Durham, Governor General of Canada, and Governor of the New Zealand Company - one of the world's great politicians.

You can also visit one of the largest out of town shopping malls in Europe - The Metro Centre, or experience a night out in the party city of Europe, Newcastle upon Tyne. There are many other attractions and places to visit in what is an ideal touring base to explore both England and Scotland.

Farewell Dinner - In the evening, enjoy a farewell banquet in the nearby Lumley Castle, now a luxury hotel serving exquisite food and wines. A chance to exchange details on your branch of the family with other family members from all around the world. Make new friends in the family and discover the your common ancestry. An evening you won't forget!.

For anyone wishing to extend their stay and would like us to arrange a few days in either London or Scotland or any other UK location, please let us know and we will arrange it for you. You can also book short package tours to any country in Europe from Newcastle - Paris and Amsterdam - approx 1 hour flying time, Rome, Venice, approx 2.5 hours,  Norway & Denmark approx 2 hours. etc.

PROVISIONAL BOOKING FORM

PROVISIONAL BOOKING FORM - The number of places available for this event is strictly limited and it is essential to place a provisional booking as soon as possible to reserve the number of places you require for your family members. Confirmation of your provisional booking will be advised within 24 hours.

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