A NORTH Yorkshire stately home joined in when a little piece of American history was made yesterday.

George Calvert, of Kiplin Hall, near Scorton, was among migrants from North Yorkshire to make their mark on the new territories across the Atlantic in the early 1600s.

He became the founder of state of Maryland and the first Lord of Baltimore.

Almost 400 years on, the state celebrated its first ever Charter Day yesterday, while, back in North Yorkshire, Peyton Fowler was unveiling a portrait of one of her ancestors.

"Peyton is a direct descendant of George Calvert and it was a thrill to have her here to unveil the painting in the house he built back in England," said Kiplin Hall administrator, Dawn Webster.

"The event had a real sense of history about it and we had 60 friends and volunteers here to help mark the occasion.''

Kiplin Hall was semi-derelict until a recent restoration project was launched with the backing of Wise Speke Newcastle Charity Management. A team of volunteers has now been recruited to help maintain the house and grounds, all working under the umbrella of The Friends of Kiplin Hall