Useless info
Just in case you don't know anything about Barnard Castle....
The town takes its name from the 12th-century castle founded by Bernard Baliol and first known as Bernard's Castle. Once owned by Richard III, the ruined castle overlooks the wooded banks of the River Tees, its grounds extending for 6 acres. At the far side of the town is Bowes Museum. This chateau-style building was constructed for its Francophile owners, John and Josephine Bowes, in the late 19th century. Their sole intention was to open it to the public to display their splendid private art collection. Works include European paintings and marvellous examples of 18th-century furniture, porcelain, and jewellery. One of the more unusual exhibits is a silver swan automaton, which still bursts into activity twice daily.
Bowes Museum
Founded by wealthy local industrialist John Bowes and his French wife, both of whom spent much of their time in Paris, this collection of art and antiques from Europe and Asia fills 30 galleries of their chateau-style house, which was built to their design in the 1860s. Highlights include work by Goya and El Greco, but there are displays on local history, too. Outside are landscaped gardens, with views out to Teesdale.
So there...... now you all know as much as me :neenaw: