Let the holiday begin!

We are  on our holidays on the Northumberland coast for the next few days. The focus with be on the magnificent ancient castles to be found in this once greatly troubled area. Today we were visiting Cragside, a relatively modern19th century mansion built by Lord Armstrong. he was a lawyer turned engineer who made a huge fortune from building hydraulic devices, weaponry and naval ships. 
The marble fireplace  at Cragside gives an indication of his great wealth!