Historic Sites of Northumberland and Newcastle upon Tyne deals in a readable and informative manner with over twenty of the most important historic monuments in the region. The sites in question are diverse. The earliest date from the Roman era and include such internationally renowned places as Housesteads on Hadrian’s Wall and Vindolanda: the former is the most complete Roman fort to be seen in Britain, whereas Vindolanda is best known for the amazing number of archaeological artifacts that have been discovered, including the earliest written material ever found in Britain.
Northumberland also has much to offer anyone interested in the medieval period. There are monastic sites such as Hexham Abbey and Lindisfarne Priory, the latter romantically located on a tidal island famed for its connections with the North’s premier saint, St Cuthbert. There are, moreover, impressive castles. Indeed, Northumberland has been described as the county of castles par excellence, which is not surprising given its strategic border location, and these include Alnwick—the imposing seat of the Dukes of Northumberland—and Bamburgh, a former royal castle situated on a basalt outcrop overlooking the North Sea.
More recent times have left their mark, too. Few can fail to be enchanted by places such as Wallington Hall, a house renowned for its association with artists and men of letters; and Cragside, a Victorian mansion set in an idyllic landscape and the first house in the world lit by water-powered electricity.
In addition to dealing with such major sites, the lavishly illustrated text, based on recent research, begins with a stimulating introductory chapter discussing human activity in the region since prehistoric times and concludes with a chapter containing brief accounts of further places of interest.
It is a book that will appeal to serious students of the region’s past and members of the general public.
Glen Lyndon Dodds lives in Sunderland but was born in Salisbury, Rhodesia (now Harare, Zimbabwe), where he spent most of his childhood. In addition to contributing to historical journals and popular magazines, he has written the following books: Historic Sites of County Durham; A History of Sunderland; Hastings to Culloden—Battles in Britain 1066-1746; and The Zulus and Matabele: Warrior Nations. His other interests include tennis, painting, and playing the cello and piano.
Reviews:
‘A well illustrated, and well informed, description of the major monuments in the region . . . . An ideal gift for visitors to the area.’ Archaeologia Aeliana
‘Well-written and reliable . . . excellently produced with good photographs . . . . It will save you buying lots of separate guidebooks to the major sites of the county.’ Professor Anthony Harding, Durham Archaeological Journal
Northumberland also has much to offer anyone interested in the medieval period. There are monastic sites such as Hexham Abbey and Lindisfarne Priory, the latter romantically located on a tidal island famed for its connections with the North’s premier saint, St Cuthbert. There are, moreover, impressive castles. Indeed, Northumberland has been described as the county of castles par excellence, which is not surprising given its strategic border location, and these include Alnwick—the imposing seat of the Dukes of Northumberland—and Bamburgh, a former royal castle situated on a basalt outcrop overlooking the North Sea.
More recent times have left their mark, too. Few can fail to be enchanted by places such as Wallington Hall, a house renowned for its association with artists and men of letters; and Cragside, a Victorian mansion set in an idyllic landscape and the first house in the world lit by water-powered electricity.
In addition to dealing with such major sites, the lavishly illustrated text, based on recent research, begins with a stimulating introductory chapter discussing human activity in the region since prehistoric times and concludes with a chapter containing brief accounts of further places of interest.
It is a book that will appeal to serious students of the region’s past and members of the general public.
Glen Lyndon Dodds lives in Sunderland but was born in Salisbury, Rhodesia (now Harare, Zimbabwe), where he spent most of his childhood. In addition to contributing to historical journals and popular magazines, he has written the following books: Historic Sites of County Durham; A History of Sunderland; Hastings to Culloden—Battles in Britain 1066-1746; and The Zulus and Matabele: Warrior Nations. His other interests include tennis, painting, and playing the cello and piano.
Reviews:
‘A well illustrated, and well informed, description of the major monuments in the region . . . . An ideal gift for visitors to the area.’ Archaeologia Aeliana
‘Well-written and reliable . . . excellently produced with good photographs . . . . It will save you buying lots of separate guidebooks to the major sites of the county.’ Professor Anthony Harding, Durham Archaeological Journal
