DIRECT descendants of the original family owners of a Jacobean stately home in North Yorkshire have visited the estate to plant the final tree in a newly-restored orchard.
The Wand family, from Illinois, USA, came to Kiplin Hall, between Scorton and Northallerton on Monday as guests of the hall's trustees to attend a ceremony to plant the final apple tree.
The family have donated the money to pay for the recreation of the 19th century apple orchard which had disappeared when the gardens fell into decline at the start of the 20th century.
The site of the orchard is clearly marked on 19th century Ordnance Survey maps and varieties of apples have been chosen that were recommended for use in the 1800s.
Kiplin Hall re-opens for the new season on Saturday, April 1, 11am to 5pm, Saturday to Wednesday.
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