Wynyard has long been associated with aristocracy, royalty, wealth and affluence with its history stretching as far back as the early 1300s. The Londonderry family have dominated the reign at Wynyard since 1819 but earlier occupants have connections as far back as William the Conqueror. Affluence and wealth are still prevalent today with a large luxurious housing development and golf course dominating the Estate. The Hall continues to stand in all its splendour and history awaiting the next tenants and the start of a new era.

Where did the names come from?

Have you thought about where a road name comes from? As Wynyard is steeped in so much history, it is only natural that the developers chose road names associated with its past. Here are most of the road names we are familiar with today and an explanation of what they mean.

CASTLEREAGH – probably one of the most significant names associated with the history of Wynyard. Frances Vane-Tempest was the daughter of Sir Henry Vane-Tempest. When Sir Henry died in 1813, Frances became the sole heiress of Wynyard Hall and Estate. Frances married Lord Stewart, the first Marquis of Londonderry, in 1819. Unfortunately, Lord Stewart was killed in an accident in 1821 and his son, Viscount Castlereagh became the 2nd Marquis of Londonderry. The first Lord Castlereagh, who was the Foreign Secretary in the early 1800s, was the half brother of Lord Stewart The Castlereagh name has remained with the family to this present day; the most recently reported Castlereagh, isViscount Frederick Castlereagh

MOUNT STEWART – the Londonderrys also owned Mount Stewart, an Irish stately estate in Newtownards, Co. Down. Today, it is a National Trust property. Similar in design to Wynyard, this estate was a particular favourite of Edith, Lady Londonderry wife of the 7th Marquis who spent much of her time in the 1920s designing and creating a beautiful array of themed and sunken gardens.

WELLINGTON DRIVE – named after the Londonderrys association with the Duke of Wellington. The 3rd Marquis of Londonderry was one of the most prominent and influential of the Londonderry family both socially and politically. In 1822, he commissioned the rebuilding of a new Wynyard Hall which in total cost £150,000. When the work was complete, many dinner parties and much high society entertaining took place at Wynyard. In 1827, The Duke of Wellington was entertained at Wynyard which then led to many visits and public appearances around the North East . A commemorative obelisk, situated on the highest point at Wynyard, marks the spot where the Duke of Wellington laid the foundation stone

HOLDERNESSE – was another lavish property owned by the Londonderry family. Holdernesse House was bought by the 3rd Marquis of Londonderry at the same time as he commissioned the rebuilding ofWynyard Hall. Situated in Park Lane in London (no record of whether it still exists), it cost £43,000 to buy and £200,000 was spent on redesigning it. It was also a venue for high society balls and lavish entertaining.

THE STABLES/PADDOCK GREEN - The 6th Marquis and Marchioness of Londonderry were well known and well connected, both politically and socially, around the late 1800s and early 1900s. Both were very keen riders and horse racing enthusiasts. Wynyard became well known for its stud farm – breeding and rearing famous racehorses. So much time was spent travelling back and forth to Newmarket to race their horses, that eventually the Londonderrys decided to build their own paddocks at Wynyard and they were still in use when the Estate was sold in 1987.

SALTERHOUSE/THE AVENUE/BRIELEY DRIVE – are associated with the houses and cottages where estate workers lived. Built around the late 1800s early 1900s, the tenants took great pride in keeping the properties in good condition. Regular checks were made on behalf of the Londonderrys to ensure the estate was being properly managed and looked after. The Salterhouses remain today. However, Brierley Cottage and The Avenue were knocked down due to deterioration.

TILERY WOOD, SPRING BANK WOOD, BRIELEY WOOD – all associated with wooded areas surrounding the Wynyard Estate

SWANCAR COURT/HORSE SHOE POND – pond areas situated close to Wynyard Hall

SALTERHOUSE, SWAINSTON CLOSE, EMBLETON – are all associated with the eight farms owned and managed by the Wynyard Estate. Salterhouse was the main farm and nearest to the Hall.

EMBLETON, SWAINSTON CLOSE, FULTHORPE – these names were also associated with medieval villages which were situated around the Wynyard Estate area. Lumps and bumps exist which local archaeologists are convinced are the buried remains of these communities.

Sources

• Liddell, 'An Illustrated History of Wynyard Estate'
• B. Masters, 'Wynyard Hall and the Londonderry Estate'
• Public Record Office of Northern Ireland, 'The Castlereagh Papers (D/3030)'
• Public Record Office of Northern Ireland, 'The Theresa, Lady Londonderry Papers (D/2846)'