AN ANCIENT mansion with a history that goes back to at least the Norman conquest has yielded one of its treasures.

Builders have discovered an old kitchen range hidden behind a wall at Beamish Hall adjacent to Beamish Museum, near Stanley. The age and value of the range remain a mystery although it could go back to the 1620s.

But it is merely the latest story from the grand old hall which goes back to William the Conqueror.

It has a romantic old ghost, was the centre of a Catholic rebellions against both Protestant King Henry VIII and Queen Elizabeth, was seized by Cromwell in the Civil War and was home to the famous Shafto family.

Mary Kennedy, the current manager of the hall, told of her excitement at the latest find. She said: "There is just so much history to this place and we are restoring it to its former glory. Who knows what else we will find."

She explained that the hall's recorded history began in 1068 when William the Conqueror gave the land to Guilbert de-la-Leigh, for whom the village the nearby village of Staneleigh was named after. Fast forward 200 years to 1268 and the original house at Beamish was built.

All was relatively quiet at the hall until Henry VIII's Protestant reformation in the 1500s. Occupant Thomas Percy, Earl of Northumberland, took part in the so-called Pilgrimage of Grace rebellion against the King and was hanged in 1537. But the King was generous to his widow Eleanor Harbotel and her son and allowed them to remain at Beamish Hall. Such was the esteem in which she was held by her tenants that they stumped up the price of a hefty fine for the widow.

In 1569 the latest Thomas Percy took part in the Derwentwater Rebellion on behalf of Mary against Queen Elizabeth. He was hanged at York. This time most of the estate was confiscated and Beamish was handed over to Sir Henry Gate who had suppressed the rising.A later incumbent, Thomas Wray, picked the wrong side in the Civil War a century later and Beamish Hall was seized by Cromwell.

After many twists and turns of the hall's story it eventually fell into the hands of the Shafto family in 1905.

The Shaftos remain famous in the region for supplying the subject of the Bonnie Bobby Shafto ditty which is far older than the Blaydon Races and Lambton Worm songs.

But perhaps the most romantic story is that of Beamish Hall's inevitable ghost, the White Lady.

A young lady fell in love with her father's sworn enemy at neighbouring Pockerly Manor. The Squire decided to marry her off but, on her wedding day, she disappeared into the dungeons where she died.

Hotel company Holt Castle Enterprises bought the current property, the oldest parts of which dates from 1620, for more than £500,000 from Durham County Council last year.

It is open for weddings and other functions. Beamish Hall can be called on (01207) 233733