The Friends of Historic Dilston exist to support the North Pennines Heritage Trust, the owners of the historic site, who restored Dilston Castle and Chapel in 2002-3. The Friends are governed by a Committee and by a Constitution. The Friends' Committee is made up of a group of volunteers who organise the running of events at Historic Dilston - both for their members and the general public.

Volunteering as a ‘Friend’

Chris Clennell (Vice-Chair, Friends of Historic Dilston) tells of the joys of being a volunteer at Historic Dilston during the Phase 2 programme of work.

Why be a volunteer? Why indeed? Unpaid…and probably exhausted by the end of each day! But then…there is another side of the coin, quite literally! On the first day of the 2009 archaeological dig at Historic Dilston, I found a coin – a Scottish bawbee from 1698. The delight for me, who rarely finds anything, and the pleasure for the rest of the team of professional archaeologists, students and volunteers, was just lovely.

I was introduced to Dilston back in 2007, when I attended a talk about the ‘Thundering Earl’ and other ghostly tales of the hugely atmospheric site. From that point on, I have been increasingly drawn to Dilston’s tragic history, architectural gems and stunning location. I’ll admit I was nervous of becoming involved as a volunteer as I had little idea of what I could actually offer in the way of help. However, with the genuine friendship and encouragement of, amongst others, Frances Dickinson, the Friends’ Chair, and Mary Rose Ridley, the Membership Secretary, the summer of 2007 saw me helping as a novice guide when groups of visitors were there. I also helped with keeping the site tidy, and when the Field School run by North Pennines Archaeology to expose the Jacobean Service Range of the original Dilston Hall began, I was delighted to join in. I became very adept at sweeping up and thoroughly enjoyed the happy atmosphere. There was no hierarchy whatsoever and the willingness and patience of the archaeologists in explaining things to the students and volunteers involved made the – very hard! – physical work rewarding. And it was FUN!

Moving forward to 2008, the Summer Field School at Dilston was for 21 weeks and once again the ‘family’ was back together, this time in the rain…relentless rain! The marquee outside the castle where we had our breaks was nearly as full of water and mud as the ground outside! It eventually collapsed under the weight of water and another marquee blew away in the wind! Our protective clothing was so soaked and filthy dirty that you couldn’t get it dried for the following day. There wasn’t much point in trying to in my case, as I had been promoted to helping Frank Giecco, Lead Archaeologist and Technical Director of NPA (alongside John Waring, volunteer and ‘mole’, Michael Thorman, committee member, and Richard Young, building historian) in clearing and cleaning out the culverts and garderobes belonging to the original Jacobean range. Oh the smell, the mud, the spiders…and the most STUNNING finds!

I distinctly remember the day – heavy rain fell naturally – when John unearthed an early 17th-century slipware tankard, completely intact, from one of the largest drains. Everyone was thrilled with his achievement, as this beautiful object had lain in the accumulated silt for perhaps nearly four centuries. It is now on display in the chapel along with many other impressive finds, which have been cleaned and, in some cases carefully restored, by a truly dedicated and expert volunteer Barbara Blenkinship.

From International students to local volunteers, we all shared our food and drinks – you owe me LOTS of Coca Cola and chocolate Frank! – and cared for each other as well. As we did this we learned about history and archaeology both in general and specific to Dilston itself.

The Field School in 2009 was much shorter in length but at least the weather was warmer than 2008. In fact, on some days, it was too HOT! It really was sheer fun but VERY hard work, particularly for those archaeologists, students and volunteers – collectively known as the ‘chain gang’ – digging out the trench to the west of the castle. The satisfaction of a job well done and the delight for the achievements of others made it all worthwhile. How did John Waring know that when he started to dig in a little area near to the castle he was going to find not one, but two, beautiful early coins?

And then there was a thunderstorm – lightning bouncing off the path, children taking part in the education programme hiding with students and volunteers in a marquee, and the rest of us sheltering in either the custodian’s hut or the castle. Violent but short lived, the rain that came down turned the western trench into a swimming pool which then had to be emptied with a spade, bucket and sponge. At the end of the dig some of us were in tears as the family split up again….

From woodpeckers, kingfishers and butterflies, to the beautiful sight of the autumn leaves falling and the spooky atmosphere of the chapel, Dilston is, as you can probably tell, a place I’ve fallen in love with. We are a happy group of professionals and volunteers who welcome anyone joining us as a Friend of Historic Dilston. It doesn’t have to be a regular commitment. Even if you can only spare an hour or two, it would be great. DILSTON WOULD LOVE TO SEE YOU THERE – SOON!