Lost mansions

Of the mansions in the outer parts of Bishopwearmouth, little has endured but the names which are now attached to suburban housing estates or parks. Some were ancient family seats, rebuilt to suit the fashion of the late 18th century. Others were new houses of that period. Most were lost before 1920.There is a poignant reminder of Ford Hall at the junction of Ryhope Road with Villette Road, Hendon. Here, at the entrance to Barley Mow Park, a gate was constructed in 1927 from some of the remains of the hall, birthplace of Sir Henry Havelock, KCB, hero of the Indian Mutiny of 1857.