Residents at a care home in Ponteland enjoyed a special surprise when they attended a talk about tea – a letter from Earl Grey himself.

The history buffs, who live at Royal Hampton Care Home, had gathered to hear a talk by the Northumberland and Newcastle Society that works to preserve the heritage, culture and landscape of the city and county.

The talk explored the history of tea along with the life and work of the 2nd Earl Grey, whose statue stands at Newcastle’s Monument.

But unbeknown to the care home staff, the society’s co-chair Emma Newlands, who gave the talk, had contacted the current Earl – Alex, the eighth Earl Grey – to tell him of the event.

Residents at the care home with Emma Newlands (standing second right) and Fran Richardson holding the Earl's letter.

placeholder image — Residents at the care home with Emma Newlands (standing second right) and Fran Richardson holding the Earl's letter.

And he was quick to put pen to paper in a special message for the home and its residents, saying he was “genuinely touched” by their interest in “my great-great- great grandfather” and about his life and connection with the North East.

He said: “Although almost two centuries have passed since his time as Prime Minister, it is wonderful to know that there remains such interest in his life, his family and the part he played in the history of this country.”

Born at Fallodon, Northumberland, Charles Grey served as Prime Minister from 1830 to 1834 – overseeing the passage of The Reform Act of 1832 and The Slavery Abolition Act of 1833.

Grey’s Monument in Newcastle, which was funded by public subscription, was erected in 1838 and tea company Twinings named a tea after him in 1831.

Earl Grey added: “Organisations such as the Northumberland and Newcastle Society play an important role in protecting and promoting our heritage and I am very grateful to people such as Emma, who continue to share these stories with new generations.”

Fran Richardson, activities co-ordinator at Royal Hampton, which provides personalised residential, nursing, dementia and respite care and is owned by Crown Care Group, said the home was “amazed” to receive Earl Grey’s letter.

She added: “Emma’s enthusiasm and knowledge of the story of Earl Grey was infectious and to receive a surprise letter from the Earl himself while sipping the tea named after his great-great-great grandfather was just delightful.”