Watch more of our videos on Shots!
and live on Freeview channel 276

A group of home owners celebrated 100 years since their cottages were built with a garden party.

The Vesper House cottages, in Queen Street, Seaton Carew, were built in 1923 by Lieutenant Colonel William Thomlinson, who then gifted them to the “aged women” of Seaton Carew.

Some of his descendants also travelled hundreds of miles to attend the party after they were traced by its organiser.

Colonel Thomlinson was born in Houghton-le-Spring and moved to work in the iron industry in Tennessee before settling down in Seaton Carew in 1882.

Residents and guests celebrate the 100th birthday of the Vesper House bungalows, in Queen Street, Seaton Carew.

Known for his service and generosity to the public, including the large donations he made to Holy Trinity Church, in Seaton Carew, and the Sir William Gray House, in Clarence Road, Colonel Thomlinson was given a knighthood by King George VI in June 1936.

Gillian Lee, who organised the event, said: “I was lucky enough to move into the Vesper House cottages two and a half years ago so myself and my three neighbours decided to celebrate the building’s 100th birthday.

"I traced the relatives of the founder of the homes built in 1923 by Colonel William Thomlinson and they came from Somerset to help us celebrate with a garden party. Several of the trustees friends and family also attended.

"The sun shone and a wonderful afternoon was spent in the gardens.”

Rosemary May, the great granddaughter of builder Colonel Lieutenant William Thomlinson, cutting a cake to commemorate the 100th birthday of the Vesper House bungalows, in Queen Street, Seaton Carew.

The Vesper House cottages, which comprise five separate properties, are marked as listed buildings and are still occupied by women from the area.

Colonel Thomlinson’s great granddaughter, Rosemary May, and his great great granddaughters, Jules Gill and Louise Alcock, travelled all the way from Somerset to take part in the celebrations.

A spokesperson for the family said afterwards: “The day was amazing and quite overwhelming. It was lovely to meet all the ladies that currently live there and share this special occasion.

"Everyone made us so very welcome, and we all had such an amazing day.

"What a wonderful thing he did and great to see and hear more stories of our family’s history.

"It was a fantastic thing that he did for the community and we are all very proud of our heritage.”

Hartlepool home owners celebrate cottages' 100th birthday with garden party