I am informed that a number of Westgarths appear on the IGI between 1700 and 1820 registered in Hayton. As with Weardale, Cumbria still has a few Westgarths I appeal to them to make contact. I question this and am preparing a page for discussion. It may well be Celtic. Love to hear them.
Late news is that the family had a heraldic shield.
I have come across reference before and had it on a list to investigate. Hopefully, more news on that one later. Managed to get my subscription off to the Northumberland and Durham Family History Society and am eagerly awaiting their first quarterly journal. There must be a lot of people giving up a lot of unpaid time, as the subscription is only 10. Or any other society.