AN 89-year-old has returned to the attics of a manor house, where she spent much of her early childhood, to see it opened as a public attraction.

Susanna Richmond today (Tuesday, March 19) visited Mount Grace Priory manor house, near Northallerton, North Yorkshire where 80 years earlier the roof space had been used as a nursery for Mrs Richmond and her cousins Hugh and John, during the 1920s and 1930s.

During her visit she found their names written on the wall by her aunt, along with markings showing the heights of the two boys and Mrs Richmond, who was then known as Nora.

She even recalled a visit from the Royal Family during her childhood, when Queen Mary, wife of George V, came to visit.

She said: “Queen Mary came to visit quite regularly. We were all taught to courtesy to her, but being a difficult child, I refused.

"Upon this, Queen Mary took me by the hand and walk around the entire Mount Grace site with me.”

The newly opened attics will give visitors a glimpse of the architectural details of the roof and a vantage point from which to view the priory ruins and gardens. English Heritage is now conducting further research into the rooms to discover how else they were used since the Mount Grace Manor House was built.

Mount Grace Priory opens every weekend throughout the winter, and Thursday to Monday from Easter weekend onwards.