16 September 2025 Durham

Bus into Whitley Bay before leaving for Durham every day I pass this stone outside the campsite so some info on it.

The Blue whinstone at Old Hartley, lies outside the Delaval Arms. The stone once marked the centre of the village of Hartley. It was possibly a Saxon boundary stone. At the time of the black death in the 14th century people believed that by touching the stone they would become immune from the plague. The stone became a symbol of good fortune and by tradition you had to kiss the Blue Stone to become a citizen of Hartley! William Carr, “The Hercules Of The North”, was born in Old Hartley on 3rd April 1756. He regularly demonstrated his strength by lifting the stone. When much of the old village was demolished in the 1940s, the stone was buried. After a new road was built in 1973, Whitley Bay Borough Council resited the stone as near as possible to it’s original position

This is a popular seaside town with a playhouse that puts on some great shows.

Just before leaving bumped into another friend lovely to see him again.

Short drive down and some shopping then a cycle into Durham to see if any changes NO.

Opps and another friend at the campsite gosh I am so well known.