The Wallington Dragons ...

... and the Berlin Beast - just passing on a sunny afternoon with more than a hint of autumn in the air.

Though they seem utterly out-of-place, their presence is actually very easily explained. Among Wallington Hall’s many esteemed owners was the Blackett family (late 17th – late 18th centuries), during which time Sir Walter Blackett (there were a few of these, but this was the one who lived 1707-77) substantially restructured the hall. The Blacketts were big players in the coal trade and it is said that the stone heads were brought north from London in 1760 as ballast in one of Sir Walter’s coal ships. Sources vary slightly as to their exact place of origin, with Bishopsgate or nearby Aldersgate being the likeliest spots, and they probably date to the 16th century - https://northeasthistorytour.blogspot.com/

And, playing on Radio Sandhoe today: Catfish and the Bottlemen - Hourglass