Washington Old Hall - National Trust

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Washington Old Hall is a manor house associated with the family of George Washington, first president of the USA.

Washington Old Hall has a long and varied history. The site was taken on by William de Hertburn (pronounced Heartburn, his name taken from the land on which he lived). In 1183 he exchanged his land with the powerful Bishop of Durham for land known as Wessington in the County of Durham, from then on he became known as William de Wessington. By 1346 a coat of arms was adopted and it is believed at this point the spelling and pronunciation of Wessington changed to Washington. A Washington family dynasty was thus founded, with George Washington being a direct descendant. Had this exchange of land not happened then the capital of America would be called "Hertburn" - much to the dismay of many visiting Americans. The Washington family lived at the Old Hall until 1613, with the building being altered over the years, to suit needs and fashion. Ownership passed between various other families, with the property eventually being tenanted in the late 19th century until the 1930s. At this point it was threatened with demolition. Under the dynamism of local schoolmaster and historian Frederick Hill, a Preservation Committee raised sufficient money to purchase the Hall, preserving it for future generations, for community use and also representing it as a Jacobean Manor house and grounds, including room settings. It was opened to the public by the preservation committee in 1955 and handed to the National Trust without endowment in 1956

11/10/2026

Did you know that Washington is mentioned in the latest issue of the National Trust members' magazine?

Here’s a quick look at the article: ‘What happens when we build towns that put people and nature first?’ You’ll hear from George Clark, an architect who grew up in Washington, about the power of planning. The article also highlights why spacious housing, walkable streets, and green spaces matter. 💚

Tell us about your memories of growing up in Washington in the comments.

To read the full article, you can get the magazine by becoming a member. The members’ magazine comes out three times a year, and you can read it in print, online, or listen to the audio version.

07/10/2026

Congratulations to Washington Village and the Bloom Group for winning Best Village and Best Overall Entry in the Northumbria In Bloom awards!

Such a well-deserved result; they put so much hard work into keeping the village looking vibrant and beautiful. 💖

01/10/2026

General Visitors notice:

This Friday, 2 October, the Hall will be closed to visitors until 1pm.

Sorry if this affects anyone's plans; you’re still welcome to browse our second-hand bookshop, gardens, and exhibition space until then. 😊

24/09/2026

Happy start of Autumn! 🍂

Stop by to take in the changing season with a wander around the grounds and listen to the fresh crunch of fallen leaves.

If you’d like, you can make a donation on your way out to take home a bag of fresh apples. 🍏

15/09/2026

A photograph of Penshaw Monument has been selected as a finalist for Japan House London's Eclipse photography competition! 📷

Now it's down to the proud people of Sunderland and across the North East to cast your votes for it to win the People's Choice Award. 🏛️❤️

To vote, comment on the post below with the image number (no. 4) or the title "Temple of Darkness” and like their page. You have until midnight on Wednesday 23 September to vote.

Well done to photographer Nicholas Simpson for being a finalist and taking this beautiful shot!

11/09/2026

Have you ever wondered what’s behind the metal door or what the view is like from the top of Penshaw Monument?

At the end of the month, you’ll have a rare chance to climb the narrow spiral staircase inside one of the monument’s columns. 🏛️

Book your 20-minute tour slot today before they’re gone. Tours run on Friday 25 and Saturday 26 September from 11am to 3pm.

Tours to the Top of Penshaw Monument

10/09/2026

Make the most of Heritage Open Days by visiting us during the week.

Come to Washington Old Hall for free next Friday, 18 September, for a more peaceful experience.

Here’s what’s waiting for you:

• Free entry for everyone. 🆓

• Discover the manor house and its rich history. 📜

• Take a stroll around the gardens and nuttery. 🌿

• Small play area for the kids. 🐴

• Browse the second-hand bookshop. 📚

• Finish your visit by taking in the charming village beyond our walls and supporting local businesses. 💗

Heritage Open Days at Washington Old Hall 2026

26/08/2026

Its a lovely view from the very top of the path in the nuttery.

Has anyone else peeked at the old hall over the bushes and trees from here? 👀

Address

The Avenue
Washington
NE387LE

Website

http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/washington-old-hall

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