What is possibly the most famous of all the Roman frontiers, Hadrian's Wall, runs coast-to-coast through Northumbria's spectacular green landscape. This 80 mile stretch of forts, towers and settlements protected the NW frontier of the mighty Roman Empire for over 250 years (and is not the border between Scotland and England, contrary to popular belief!). At least 24,000 Roman soldiers invaded Britain and by the time Emperor Hadrian came to power in 117 AD they were ready to stop expanding the Empire and diverted the focus to protecting what they already had – and so construction of the wall began. Despite ongoing battles between the Romans and the “barbarians” (Hadrian’s words, not ours!), stretches of the 1900 year old wall are still intact – a testament to the Roman’s impressive engineering.
As the most northerly county in England, Northumberland shares a border with Scotland – you’re already thinking trouble’s brewing aren’t you! From the 14th to the 17th century, feuding between border families was a constant threat to daily life and the border area was often reduced to wasteland as renewed conflict offered little incentive to farm here. Border Reivers were skilled horsemen and proud soldiers who resided in both countries and reiving (or raiding) was a way of life - often if you didn’t raid, you didn’t eat. Arson, kidnapping and pillaging were the everyday norm until James I came to power. Furious with the Scots for successfully stealing over 5000 livestock from the English, he was determined to bring law and order to the region. By the 1620s, and hundreds of hangings later, peace finally arrived.
The seemingly quiet and colourful market town of Hexham was the site of England’s first purpose-built prison – and home to many of these Border Reivers! Dating back to 1333, this beastly building that was once feared by the locals, is now a fascinating, and rather attractive, Grade I listed museum. Light shades of stone, scavanged from the remains of Hadrian’s Wall and nearby Corbridge Roman Town, were used to build the sturdy lock up and it remained in use for a further 500 years! Prisoners had to pay for their own food, drink, clothing and bedding, illness and danger were rife and dozens of prisoners died of the Plague here in the 1550s.
Uncover more intriguing history from Northumbria during our five day holiday this June. Entry to Vindolanda Roman Fort, the world famous museum of the north at Beamish and the National Trust properties at Wallington and Cragside are included, along with free time in Newcastle, Corbridge and Hexham. Find out more.
