Historic Northumberland
Explore hidden histories, historic photos, and things you never knew about Northumberland from the collections and archives of Historic England.
Discover Northumberland's listed buildings and places
Introducing some of Northumberland's most significant historic sites, curated from the National Heritage List for England.
Frontiers of the Roman Empire (Hadrian's Wall)
Acomb
The official listing for all World Heritage sites is held by UNESCO and can be found on their website.
Coast Defence Chain Home Low Radar Station, Craster
The radar station at Craster is situated a short distance north of the village on top of the whin stone heugh (escarpment) that extends from the village to Dunstanburgh Castle and which slopes gently down to the sea from a high point some 150m from the shore.
Second World War Chain Home Low Radar Station, 1941.
Pier and Lighthouse
Berwick-upon-Tweed
Pier 1810-1825 by John Rennie, and lighthouse, 1826 to the designs of Joseph Nelson. Read the official list entry to find out more.
Roman aqueduct to Great Chesters from the Cawburn
Greenhead
An aqueduct is an artificial channel used to carry water.
Bremenium Roman station, High Rochester
Rochester
Roman forts served as permanent bases for auxiliary units of the Roman Army.
Gloucester Lodge Heavy Anti-Aircraft Battery
Seaton Valley
Gloucester Lodge Battery includes the buried, earthwork and standing remains of a multi-phase Second World War heavy anti-aircraft gun battery and...
Smokehouse, Craster
Craster
Smokehouse, mid-C19, possibly part converted from an existing building. Read the official list entry to find out more.
Walker's Pottery
Corbridge
The standing, buried and earthwork remains of a post-medieval pottery originally known as Walker's Pottery.
The medieval and post-medieval fortifications at Berwick …
Berwick-upon-Tweed
In the Middle Ages organized town defences normally involved the construction of high curtain walls and flanking interval towers often surrounded by...
The Old Queen Elizabeth Grammar School
Hexham
Free grammar school and attached master's house constructed in 1684, and slightly later caretaker's house, with C18, C19 and C20 alterations.
St Mary's Island Lighthouse, Keepers' Cottages and Compou…
North Tyneside
A late C19 Trinity House lighthouse designed by Sir Thomas Matthews, engineer-in-chief to the Trinity House Board; with keepers' cottages, compound...
East Matfen medieval village and open field system
Matfen
Medieval rural settlements in England were marked by great regional diversity in form, size and type, and the protection of their archaeological...
Aydon Castle medieval hall, fortified manor and eighteent…
Corbridge
Fortified manors are the residences of the lesser nobility and richer burgesses and date from the late 12th century and throughout the rest of the...
Romano-Celtic shrine 540m ESE of South Yardhope
Harbottle
Roman religion had adopted wholesale the classical pantheon of the Greeks.
Former Berwick Court House and Prison with attached wall …
Berwick-upon-Tweed
The former Berwick Court House and Prison of 1846-1849 by Thomas Brown is listed at Grade II for the following principal reasons: Berwick court house...
Allen smelt mill, flue system and chimneys
Allendale
Approximately 10,000 lead industry sites are estimated to survive in England, spanning nearly three millennia of mining history from the later Bronze...
Unknown wreck, 600m ENE of Bamburgh Castle
Bamburgh
The wreck of a pre-1840 unknown wooden sailing vessel thought to be later C18 in origin.
Coastal Artillery Battery on Blyth Links
Blyth
The use of fixed artillery to protect the coast from hostile ships is one of the oldest practices in the history of England's defences.
Bank Hill Ladies public convenience
Berwick-upon-Tweed
Public convenience, 1899. Read the official list entry to find out more.
Bothal Castle Welbeck Estate Office and Attached Outbuild…
Ashington
These outbuildings at Bothal Castle date from around 1858, although they also incorporate some examples of medieval masonry within their construction.
Roman fort, two Roman fortlets, two Roman camps, a sectio…
Alwinton
Roman forts served as permanent bases for auxiliary units of the Roman Army.
South Pier, South Shields
South Tyneside
Pier and lighthouse, 1854-1895. James Walker and later John F Ure for the Tyne Improvement Commissioners.
Blanchland Premonstratensian Abbey
Blanchland
Blanchland Abbey was one of approximately thirty-one abbeys of the Premonstratensian Order in Medieval England.
Vindolanda (Chesterholm) Roman forts, civil settlement an…
Bardon Mill
Roman forts served as permanent bases for auxiliary units of the Roman Army.
Linbrig deserted medieval village, 540m north of Linbriggs
Alwinton
Medieval rural settlement in England is marked by great diversity in form, size and type and the protection of archaeological remains needs to take...
Great Chesters Roman fort and Hadrian's Wall between the …
Greenhead
Hadrian's Wall marks one of the frontiers of the Roman Empire.
Rock art at Ketley Crag rock shelter
Chatton
Prehistoric rock art comprising a single large panel of Neolithic/early Bronze Age date (approximately 3800 BC to 1500 BC).
Manside defended settlement and medieval cross
Elsdon
In Cumbria and Northumberland several distinctive types of native settlements dating to the Roman period have been identified.
Langley and Blagill lead smeltmills, flue and chimney
Haydon
Approximately 10,000 lead industry sites are estimated to survive in England, spanning nearly three millennia of mining history from the later Bronze...
Whitley Castle Roman fort and vicus, 280m south west of C…
Knaresdale with Kirkhaugh
Roman forts served as permanent bases for auxiliary units of the Roman Army.
Bardon Mill Station Signal Box
Henshaw
Bardon Mill Station Signal Box, built about 1874, is listed at Grade II for the following principle reasons: it benefits from a functional and spatial...
Morpeth Old Bridge
Morpeth
Multi-span bridges are structures of two or more arches supported on piers.
Heiferlaw defended settlement and Second World War Zero S…
Denwick
A defended settlement of Iron Age date situated on the summit of a rise, incorporating the underground remains of a Second World War control station...
Old Rothbury multivallate hillfort and cairnfield
Rothbury
Small multivallate hillforts are defined as fortified enclosures of varying shape, generally between 1 and 5ha in size and located on hilltops.
Coalcleugh lead rake
West Allen
Approximately 10,000 lead industry sites are estimated to survive in England, spanning nearly three millennia of mining history from the later Bronze...
War memorial to Private Fairless, Limestone Brae burial g…
West Allen
First World War memorial, unveiled 1920. Read the official list entry to find out more.
Carrawburgh Roman fort and Hadrian's Wall and vallum betw…
Newbrough
Hadrian's Wall marks one of the frontiers of the Roman Empire.
Carrshield lead mines and ore works
West Allen
Approximately 10,000 lead industry sites are estimated to survive in England, spanning nearly three millennia of mining history from the later Bronze...
Historic Northumberland through time
The National Heritage List for England contains hundreds of details about buildings and places, including the periods in which they were built and the uses they've had over the years. Explore how your local area has changed through time.
Prehistoric Before AD 43
Prehistory covers a million years of human occupation before the Roman invasion and the introduction of writing. Primarily hunter-gatherers of several human species including Neanderthals, the peoples moved across Europe, hunting animals, exchanging ideas and developing complex culture and belief systems including burial rites and astronomical understanding, as at Stonehenge for example.
Roman AD 43 to AD 410
Britain was invaded by four legions of the Roman army in AD 43, who relatively rapidly conquered England from landing points in Kent. Parts of Wales and Scotland soon followed.
Roman culture brought urbanism, monumental buildings, wide-ranging religious beliefs, writing, and strong social hierarchy. The Roman administrative system was withdrawn in AD 410.
Early medieval AD 410 to AD 1066
This period, often associated in England with Anglo-Saxons and Vikings, saw a reduction in urban living from the Roman period and increased migration from northern Europe.
Traces of this period can be found in cemeteries, particularly in artefacts and in some of the very early churches, as this period also saw the growth of Christianity in Britain.
Medieval AD 1066 to AD 1540
This period, sometimes known as the Middle Ages, began with the Norman invasion in AD 1066. It saw a significant rise in military and defensive buildings such as castles and earthworks, as well as religious houses dominating a largely agricultural landscape.
The monarchy and Church dominated the period, which also saw the break with the Roman Church and the English reformation.
Post medieval AD 1540 to AD 1901
The Post-Medieval period brought seismic changes to life in England, with religious reformation leading to the democratization of worship and the destruction of hundreds of religious houses.
In parallel, there was a huge expansion of scientific study and enlightenment that permanantly altered the nation's social structure and landscape. Industrialization and mass production lead to wider global trade, emigration, and immigration.
20th century AD 1901 to AD 2000
The 20th century saw an incredible expansion of England's transport networks, with suburban growth shadowing rapid infrastructural expansion. The establishment of state schools, hospitals, and modern technical colleges, with new architectural styles, radically changed the appearance of towns and cities.
Two catastrophic world wars and the 1918 pandemic also brought unprecedented change, altering England's built environment and social structures forever.
Prehistoric Before AD 43
Prehistory covers a million years of human occupation before the Roman invasion and the introduction of writing. Primarily hunter-gatherers of several human species including Neanderthals, the peoples moved across Europe, hunting animals, exchanging ideas and developing complex culture and belief systems including burial rites and astronomical understanding, as at Stonehenge for example.
Roman AD 43 to AD 410
Britain was invaded by four legions of the Roman army in AD 43, who relatively rapidly conquered England from landing points in Kent. Parts of Wales and Scotland soon followed.
Roman culture brought urbanism, monumental buildings, wide-ranging religious beliefs, writing, and strong social hierarchy. The Roman administrative system was withdrawn in AD 410.
Early medieval AD 410 to AD 1066
This period, often associated in England with Anglo-Saxons and Vikings, saw a reduction in urban living from the Roman period and increased migration from northern Europe.
Traces of this period can be found in cemeteries, particularly in artefacts and in some of the very early churches, as this period also saw the growth of Christianity in Britain.
Medieval AD 1066 to AD 1540
This period, sometimes known as the Middle Ages, began with the Norman invasion in AD 1066. It saw a significant rise in military and defensive buildings such as castles and earthworks, as well as religious houses dominating a largely agricultural landscape.
The monarchy and Church dominated the period, which also saw the break with the Roman Church and the English reformation.
Post medieval AD 1540 to AD 1901
The Post-Medieval period brought seismic changes to life in England, with religious reformation leading to the democratization of worship and the destruction of hundreds of religious houses.
In parallel, there was a huge expansion of scientific study and enlightenment that permanantly altered the nation's social structure and landscape. Industrialization and mass production lead to wider global trade, emigration, and immigration.
20th century AD 1901 to AD 2000
The 20th century saw an incredible expansion of England's transport networks, with suburban growth shadowing rapid infrastructural expansion. The establishment of state schools, hospitals, and modern technical colleges, with new architectural styles, radically changed the appearance of towns and cities.
Two catastrophic world wars and the 1918 pandemic also brought unprecedented change, altering England's built environment and social structures forever.
Aerial photos of Northumberland
Historic aerial photography shows the growth and changes in England's urban and rural landscapes, revealing secrets that are impossible to see from the ground.
Bamburgh
Bamburgh Castle and the Castle Green, Bamburgh, 1947
Bamburgh
Bamburgh Castle, Bamburgh, 1950
Chillingham
Chillingham Castle, Chillingham, 1947
Chillingham
Chillingham Castle and gardens, Chillingham, 1947
Alnwick
Alnwick Castle, Alnwick, 1932
Alnwick
Alnwick Castle, Alnwick, 1947
Newham
Newham Hall, Newham, 1947
Newham
Newham Hall, Newham, 1947
Holy Island
St Mary's Church and the remains of Lindisfarne Priory, Holy Island, 1947
Holy Island
The remains of Lindisfarne Priory alongside St Mary's Church, Holy Island, 1950
Historic England Archive images of Northumberland
The Historic England Archive holds and cares for over 15 million images, from the 1850s to the present day. Discover stunning images of Northumberland's past.
Charles George Harper Collection
Greenhead, Northumberland
Date created: 1892 - 1933
The gatehouse at Greenhead, at the entrance to the avenue leading to Black Hedley
Eric de Mare
Seaton Delaval, Northumberland
Date created: 1945 - 1980
Exterior detail view of Seaton Delavel Hall showing the portico on the park side. The baroque house was designed by John Vanbrugh in 1718.
John Gay Collection: Counties
Northumberland
Date created: 1950s
A long straight country road near Stamfordham
John Laing Collection
Northumberland
Date created: Jun 1949
View of 3,600 lb explosion at Stobswood opencast coal mine
Alfred Newton and Sons
Hareshaw Burn, Northumberland
Date created: 1900
GENERAL VIEW ALONG HARESHAW BURN
Nigel Temple Collection of Postcards of Parks and Gardens
Ridley Park, Northumberland
Date created: 1900 - 1915
COLOUR TINTED PHOTOGRAPHIC REPRODUCTION SHOWING GENERAL VIEW LOOKING TOWARDS THE BANDSTAND
Walter Scott
Northumberland
Date created: 1936 - 1945
The Grace Darling Memorial in the churchyard at St Aidan's Church
Charles George Harper Collection
Northumberland
Date created: 1892 - 1933
Looking across the railway tracks towards George Stephenson's Cottage
Eric de Mare
Northumberland
Date created: 1945 - 1980
Detail view of the Percy Tenantry Column in Alnwick showing two lions at the base of the monument.
John Gay Collection: Counties
Northumberland
Date created: 1950s
A long straight country road near Stamfordham
John Laing Collection
Northumberland
Date created: 05 Jun 1996
A member of Laing's Cumbria Club for retired employees posed beside an early bicycle exhibit during a visit to Alnwick Castle
Stories about heritage in Northumberland
Historic England publishes news, blogs, videos and podcasts celebrating England's heritage. Discover the stories we have about Northumberland.
What Happened After the End of Roman Rule in Britain?
Mentions Hadrians Wall Milecastle and Turrets Hadrians Wall, Milecastle and Turrets, Housesteads fort, section of Wall and vallum between the field boundary west of milecastle 36 and the field boundary west of turret 37a in wall miles 36 and 37
After the fall of the Roman Empire in Britain around AD 410, many towns declined, industries ceased, and the Roman army left England's shores.
What Is the Oldest Castle in England?
Mentions Warkworth Castle motte and bailey castle, tower keep castle and collegiate church
Discover the oldest English castle contenders, including the Norman Berkhamsted Castle, Windsor Castle, Dover Castle and The White Tower, London.
The Legend of King Arthur
Mentions Northumberland, Housesteads fort, section of Wall and vallum between the field boundary west of milecastle 36 and the field boundary west of turret 37a in wall miles 36 and 37
King Arthur was central to the legendary tales of medieval romance. Discover the places connected to Camelot, Tintagel, and the Battle of Badon Hill.
Battles, Castles and Ships: England’s Military History from the Air
Mentions Northumberland, Bamburgh Castle
Discover England's military history through aerial photography from the Aerofilms Collection.
A Brief Introduction to Romani Gypsy Heritage in England
Mentions Northumberland
Discover the Romani Gypsy and Traveller history and heritage in England through the art, culture and landscapes of the country.
The Life and Work of John Smeaton, the ‘Father of Civil Engineering’
Mentions Northumberland, Coldstream Bridge (That Part in England)
Discover the remarkable feats of engineering by British civil engineer John Smeaton.
5 Places of South Asian Heritage in North East England
Mentions 44-48, Cloth Market, Old Customs House
Delve into the rich narratives, traditions, and legacies of South Asian communities woven into the fabric of this diverse corner of England.
8 Places Connected to Black History in Newcastle
Mentions 10 and 12, Nelson Street, Brunswick Methodist Chapel, Northumberland Baths/city Hall
Uncover stories of how people of African descent have made history in Newcastle-upon-Tyne.
30 New Projects Explore England’s Rural and CoastalWorking-Class Heritage
Mentions Northumberland
Funded by Historic England's Everyday Heritage grants programme, these projects will explore untold stories and celebrate the heart of our history.
Historic England Supports Landscape Recovery Project on Hadrian’s Wall
Mentions Northumberland
Historic England has awarded £68,435 to help fund a landscape-scale nature recovery project in one of the UK’s most iconic landscapes.
Rare First World War Practice Trenches in Gosport Scheduled
Mentions World War I practice trenches 740m north west of Short Fell, Northumberland
The well-preserved site at Browndown, Gosport in Hampshire has been designated as a scheduled monument.
13th Cabmen's Shelter in London Listed
Mentions Northumberland
The cabmen's shelter on Wellington Place, St John’s Wood, has been listed at Grade II – all 13 historic green huts in London are now protected.
16 Remarkable Historic Places Listed in 2023
Mentions Coast Defence Chain Home Low Radar Station, Craster, Northumberland
Take a closer look at the historic gems that were examined, protected and added to the National Heritage List for England in 2023.
Famous Northumberland Smokehouse Listed
Mentions Smokehouse, Craster, Northumberland
A 19th century Northumberland smokehouse used for producing world famous kippers has been listed at Grade II by DCMS on the advice of Historic England
Historic England Highlights Fascinating Heritage Sites Listed in 2022
Mentions Milestone 7, Northumberland
As 2022 draws to a close, Historic England highlights gems added to the National Heritage List for England (NHLE) over the last 12 months.
Historic England Reveals its Heritage at Risk Register 2021
Mentions Cresswell Tower, Northumberland
Historic England publishes its annual Heritage at Risk Register, the yearly health-check of England’s most valued historic places.
Explore your social history through photos
Over 10,000 images from the Historic England Archive have been specially selected and re-captioned for teachers, students, and anyone who wants to learn more about heritage in their local area.
Workers at Osram Glass Works, Newcastle upon Tyne, Tyne and Wear
Period: 1950s (1950 - 1959)
This period picture shows workers clearing the broken glass and debris from machines at the plant while the apprentices look on.
Workers at Osram Glass Works, Newcastle upon Tyne, Tyne and Wear
Wood's Restaurant, Berwick-upon-Tweed, Northumberland
Period: Edwardian (1902 - 1913)
Waitresses serve afternoon tea in Wood's Restaurant.
Wood's Restaurant, Berwick-upon-Tweed, Northumberland
Wood Memorial Hall, Newcastle upon Tyne, Tyne and Wear
Period: Victorian (1837 - 1901)
Also known as the North of England Mining and Mechanical Engineers Institute.
Wood Memorial Hall, Newcastle upon Tyne, Tyne and Wear
Women's Institute, Newbrough, Northumberland
Period: Victorian (1837 - 1901)
This building was built as a Women's Institute. Between the ground and 1st floor windows are inscribed panels that read 'The Women's' and 'Institute'.
Women's Institute, Newbrough, Northumberland
Wills' Tobacco Factory, Newcastle upon Tyne, Tyne and Wear
Period: 1940s (1946 - 1949)
This factory was built in the mid 1940s, but to an earlier design.
Wills' Tobacco Factory, Newcastle upon Tyne, Tyne and Wear
Whittingham Tower, Whittingham, Northumberland
Period: Medieval (Middle Ages) (1066 - 1484)
This tower house was built in the late 13th or early 14th century. It was altered in 1603 and again in 1845.
Whittingham Tower, Whittingham, Northumberland
Warkworth Castle, Warkworth, Northumberland
Period: Medieval (Middle Ages) (1066 - 1484)
Warkworth Castle from the east across the River Coquet with houses between. A motte and bailey castle was built here in the early 12th century.
Warkworth Castle, Warkworth, Northumberland
Warkworth Castle, Warkworth, Northumberland
Period: Medieval (Middle Ages) (1066 - 1484)
A motte and bailey castle was built here in the early 12th century. The first stone castle was built here in 1139.
Warkworth Castle, Warkworth, Northumberland
Visit grant-aided places near you
These places and buildings have been helped by Historic England's financial grants. Find local heritage in your neighbourhood that you never knew existed! Please note that opening times may vary.
Tynemouth Station, Station Terrace
Grade II* listed railway station c 1882 by William Bell of the North Eastern Railway Company.
All Saints Church, Akenside Hill
All Saints is a late 18th century former parish church, classical in style and oval in plan, located on the site of a medieval church.
South West Bastion and section of ha-ha walling, Church of Our Lady Churchyard
The Church of Our Lady Saxon - Norman church of Delaval. Churchyard with C18 ha-ha and bastion.
Discover more Heritage nearby
Have you got another local place, or somewhere you're planning to visit? Take a look at these other places nearby
Newcastle upon Tyne
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Gateshead
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North Tyneside
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