Interesting topic this and one i know much of.
The Rectory actually had a church to the rear of it. You had to go up the outside stairs to enter.
I have also refered it to a place of worship by the monks who lived there.
There was also an ancient hospice at Sheepwash. No one knows where it was, however, i can say i believe i know the location as many years ago i came across this beautiful flooring that was decorated buried a little under the earth.
I recon that was it.
I was born at Scotland Gate and i am a historian and secretary of the Sixtownships Community History Group, and have researched that area beginning at the age of 14. I am now 58, so a good few years at it i recon.
There was also a tunnel running from the Rectory to Bothal and it exited at the rear of the waterfall.
The monks burial ground was found acoss the road near the river on Glebe Farm land when they began building the houses now there. They came across the remains of many monks.
I actually saw the church to the rear of the Rectory and know of someone who also had a keen interest in the Rectory and wanted to see the building listed.
It was refused and when sold as Mr and Mrs Grey were the last to live in it, they pulled it to bits and
the small church to the rear was a victim.
What a disgrace that was.
As a kid i went to many garden fetes they held there and enjoyed it. A small orchard in the rear, along with coconut shys etc. Happy days.
Lots of history in it.
I can also say that Bothal Haugh Rectory was built along the Morpeth Road, next to the kennels. That was for the vicar, as he refused to live in the Rectory as he wanted to build his very own
place to live. When he built it he didn't realise it would not last long as the timbers, wood, inside was riddled with woodworm and the building demolished in the late 50s.
Have a look on our website, many pics and stories for your interest on it.
www.sixtownships.org.uk