Northumberland: Romans to Victorians - Visitors to Historic Britain

Northumberland, located in the northeastern part of England, is a region rich in history and cultural heritage. From the Roman occupation to the Victorian era, it has witnessed the rise and fall of empires, leaving behind numerous fascinating sites that attract visitors from around the world. In this article, we will take a journey through time and explore the remarkable history of Northumberland, from the Roman conquest to the Victorian era.

1. Roman Forts

The Romans arrived in Northumberland around 122 AD and established a series of forts along Hadrian's Wall, a 73-mile defensive barrier stretching across the region. These forts, such as Housesteads and Vindolanda, serve as a testament to the Roman presence in Northumberland and provide insights into the military strategies and daily lives of the soldiers stationed there.

Northumberland: Romans to Victorians (Visitors' Historic Britain)

by Andra Riemhofer (Kindle Edition)

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
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2. Medieval Castles

Northumberland is home to some of the most spectacular medieval castles in Britain. Alnwick Castle, famous for its role as Hogwarts in the Harry Potter films, stands proudly on a hilltop, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside. Bamburgh Castle, perched on a rocky outcrop by the North Sea, is another magnificent fortress that has withstood centuries of battles and sieges.

3. Victorian Architecture

The Victorian era brought significant changes to Northumberland's architectural landscape. In towns like Newcastle and Hexham, grand Victorian buildings, adorned with intricate details and ornate facades, still stand as a reminder of the region's prosperous industrial past. The Tyne Bridge, a magnificent bridge spanning the River Tyne, is an iconic symbol of Newcastle upon Tyne and a masterpiece of Victorian engineering.

4. Industrial Heritage

In the 18th and 19th centuries, Northumberland played a vital role in the Industrial Revolution. Coal mining, shipbuilding, and manufacturing thrived in the region, propelling it into an era of economic growth and technological advancements. The Beamish Museum, an open-air museum near Stanley, offers visitors a chance to step back in time and experience life during this period, with recreated streets, shops, and industrial buildings.

5. Literary Connections

Northumberland has also been a source of inspiration for many literary figures. The rugged landscapes and historic sites have appeared in the works of writers like Sir Walter Scott and Lewis Carroll. The iconic Hadrian's Wall, with its dramatic setting, has been featured in numerous novels, further adding to the region's literary appeal.

6. Natural Beauty

Aside from its historical treasures, Northumberland boasts stunning natural beauty. The Northumberland National Park provides ample opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts to explore vast landscapes of rolling hills, meandering rivers, and tranquil forests. The Farne Islands, a group of small islands off the coast, are known for their diverse wildlife, including seabird colonies and a large seal population.

Northumberland offers visitors a captivating journey through time, from the Roman occupation to Victorian prosperity. Its rich historical heritage, combined with its awe-inspiring natural landscapes, creates a unique destination that fascinates and enchants all who visit. So, immerse yourself in the wonders of Northumberland and experience the remarkable history of Britain's past.

Northumberland: Romans to Victorians (Visitors' Historic Britain)

by Andra Riemhofer (Kindle Edition)

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	7280 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	173 pages

FREE

From the castle Hogwarts draws inspiration from to the first house in the world to be lit by electricity, this visitor's guide to Northumberland gives readers the full historic scope of the heart of this ancient Anglo-Saxon kingdom.

Northumberland…to the Romans it was Ad Fines, the limit of the Empire, the end of the Roman World. It was here in 122 AD that the Emperor Hadrian decided to build a wall stretching from coast-to-coast to provide protection, to show the might of the Empire, and as a statement of his grandeur. Visitors to Northumberland can walk the Wall visiting milecastles, Roman frontier forts and settlements such as Housesteads (where you can see the oldest toilets you’ll ever see) or Vindolanda (where you can take part in an archaeological dig) where wooden tablets detailing life on this frontier (the oldest example of written language in Britain) were discovered, or the remains of Roman temples and shrines (such as the Mithraeum at Carrawburgh). After the Romans left, Northumberland became the heart of one of the greatest kingdoms of Anglo-Saxon Britain, Northumbria. The home of Saints, scholars and warrior kings. Visitors can see the ancient seat of this kingdom at the medieval Bamburgh Castle, visit Hexham Abbey (built in 674 AD), or tour the magnificent remains of the 7th century Priory at Tynemouth (where three kings are buried – Oswin (d. 651), Osred (d. 790), and the Scottish King Malcolm III (d. 1093).

No other county in Britain has as many medieval remains as Northumberland. From the most grand such as Alnwick Castle (known as the Windsor of the North, the home of the Dukes of Northumberland, the capital of Northumberland, and, to many, Hogwarts!) to humble remains such as the Chantry at Morpeth. At Warkworth visitors can tour the medieval church (scene of a 12th century Scottish massacre), Warkworth Castle (another Percy possession and the setting for a scene in Shakespeare’s Henry IV), a medieval hermitage, and the fortified bridge gatehouse (one of the only surviving examples in Britain).

Northumberland was ravaged during the Anglo-Scottish Wars and this led to the development of family clans of Border Reivers who were active during the 16th and early 17th centuries. Raiders, looters, blackmailers and courageous cavalrymen the Reivers have left many surviving remnants of their harsh time. Peel Towers dot the landscape alongside Bastle Houses. The active can even walk in the footsteps of the Reivers by following the Reivers Way long distance path.

Victorian Northumberland was dominated by both farming and, increasingly, by the industrial genius of some of its entrepreneurs. The greatest of these, Lord Armstrong (known as the Magician of the North), has left behind one of the most magnificent tourist sites in Britain; his home at Cragside. Carved from a bare hillside and transplanted with millions of trees and shrubs and crowned with the beautiful Cragside House visitors can walk the grounds taking advantage of various trails and spotting wildlife such as red squirrels before visiting the first house in the world to be lit by electricity!