heritage

discover centuries of history woven through unforgettable landscapes

This part of Northumberland is possibly best known by visitors for Hadrian's Wall, but this far flung outpost of the Roman empire has many more stories to tell.

The notorious Border Reivers had their stronghold in these 'debatable lands' and mounted many raids across the Marches, the Anglo/Scottish border country, between the 13th and 17th centuries. They have left their mark on the landscape in the form of reinforced Bastle houses, with Haltwhistle having more than any other English town. Their activities introduced words such as 'Blackmail', 'Bereaved', and 'Gang' into the English language. More information about the Reivers' way of life can be found in Hexham Old Gaol and Tullie House Museum in Carlisle. The descendants of the Reiver families are alive and well in the Heart of Hadrian's Wall, look out for the Bells, Armstrongs, Wallace’s, Johnsons, Nixons and Milburn’s.

Throughout the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, Hexham was a centre of the leather trade, particularly renowned for making gloves known as Hexham Tans, now the name of a vegetarian restaurant in the market town. The Tyne Valley has many famous sons including Thomas Bewick the talented woodcarver who was born at Cherryburn near Prudhoe and not far away in Wylam is the birthplace of George Stephenson 'the Father of the Railways'. This rugged landscape has also been shaped by many generations of farming families who have carved out a living. Their traditions and way of life are commemorated and celebrated at the Bellingham Heritage Centre.

Every village, valley and landmark has a story to share. Come and explore the fascinating heritage, remarkable people and rich traditions that make the Heart of Hadrian's Wall such a special place to discover.