Glendale and its history

Timeless beauty..........

The Hills and valleys around Glendale have been inhabited for thousands of years, and in those years people have left their marks. From early history to the present day there is surely something to grab your attention.

One of the earliest 'Marks'  were left by Neolithic and Early Bronze Age people, between 6000 and 3500 years ago in the form of Cup and Ring Marks in the sandstone rocks of Dod Law, Roughting Linn and Weetwod Moor. Also at Roughting Linn you will find a very pretty waterfall. You will find these sites marked on an Ordnance Survey Map.

Bewick Moor has some great walks for you to try, with little gems of local history scattered around, the likes of Ancient burial cyst’s and ancient hill forts. Also Cateran's Cave, a Natural geological fault in the rock under the heather that opens up at one end to reveal a hole/cave that people have used for thousands of years to shelter in. Just a mile from there is Blawerie House, an old Shepherds house that is now ruined but has a very special feel when you visit at anytime of year.

 A few of the Archaeological Sites in the area are Ad Gefrin, The Ancient Royal Township of Saxon Kings of Northumbria. Also Maelmin, a 4000 year old henge site with interpretation boards that tell the story.

There are one or two Battle Sites, the most famous being Flodden Battle Field, A bloody Battle that took part in 1513 between the Scots and English, where 30,000 Scots under the control of King James IV were badly beaten by 20,000 English Troops under the control of The Earl of Surrey.

Some of the Area in Glendale is in the Northumberland National Park. The Breamish Valley is one of these places, a Beautiful and tranquil Valley with breathtaking walks and views. At the end of the Valley is Linhope Spout, another one of Glendale's spectacular waterfalls. As you drive into the area you will pass the Northumberland National Park Visitor Centre.

In the Village of Kirknewton stands The Anglican church of St. Gregory the Great is the present church, though a Christian place of worship has stood on the site since the eleventh century. The earliest record of the church is in a document dated 1223, and the church's sculpture of the Adoration of the Magi dates from this period. There has been speculation that the Magi are in fact wearing kilts! It was a haven in troublesome times, but was reduced to ruins during the border warfare. In the 1430s the Bishop of Durham licenced the vicar to say Mass in any safe place in the parish. Josephine Butler, champion of social reform for women in the Victorian era, is buried here.

And Finally to find out more on all of these places, The Cheviot Centre in Wooler is a must to visit. This is where the Tourist Information Centre is housed and you will find Information Boards, as well as Toilets. The Centre is next to a car park on Burnhouse Road.