The Delevals of Northumberland

The Delaval family were a race of warriors and statesmen who first figure in history when its representative, Sir Hendrick de la Val, married Dionysia, a niece of William the Conqueror.

The name De la Val was later corrupted to “Delaval”.

The Delavals came to England from Lower Maine, following the Norman Conquest. They were a typical feudal family, not particularly wealthy and played an unimportant part in the affairs of the county until coal mining was developed on their estate in 1311.

Much later, during the 17th century, the profits from many of the pits began to substantially increase the wealth of the Delavals.

The Delaval family originally resided in an old house and decaying castle, first mentioned in 1415, which is believed to have stood on the site of the present Delaval Hall.

When Admiral George Delaval came to live there in 1717, he planned to repair and alter the old house, but Sir John Vanburgh who had been called in for advice suggested the construction of a completely new mansion house.

When work began, the old house and castle were demolished in order to make way for the present building.