Bedlington

Bedlington Terriers.

Bedlington is a town in Northumberland, to the north of the Tyne and Wear urban area. Nearby places include Morpeth, Ashington, Blyth and Cramlington. The parish of Bedlington constituted the historic exclave of County Durham called Bedlingtonshire.

Bedlington was an industrial town with an iron works and several coal mines. However in more recent times the town has undergone many changes, and is now more of a Dormitory town.

Bedlington ('Bedaz' in Charv terms) and the hamlets belonging to it were bought by Cutheard, bishop of Durham, between 900 and 915, and although locally situated in the county of Northumberland became part of the county palatine (from Lat. palatium, a palace) of Durham over which Bishop Walcher was granted royal rights by William the Conqueror.

When these rights were taken from Cuthbert Tunstall, bishop of Durham, in 1536, Bedlington among his other property lost its special privileges, but was confirmed to, him in 1541 with the other property of his predecessors. Together with the other lands of the see of Durham, Bedlington was made over to the ecclesiastical commissioners in 1866. Bedlingtonshire was made part of Northumberland for civil purposes by acts of parliament in 1832 and 1844.

The town has good bus links with nearby Newcastle Upon Tyne which is where the majority of residents have employment. The town's front street has one supermarket, a post office and several other smaller shops, however the number of these is starting to decline. A weekly market (more of a car boot sale, offering an assortment of muck and tat) is held on a Thursday next to the magistrates' court. There are also several public houses.

In terms of food, there are a wide number of takeaways covering Indo-China, Eastern Europe and, of course, fish and chips.

The town is also home to Saint Benet Biscops Roman Catholic High School, a school praised by many members of the local community for its outstanding standards of education with several families making appeals to send their children to the school.

Article adapted from the Wikipedia online encyclopedia.

How to get to Bedlington:

By road: From the south: Take the main A1 trunk road to just north of Newcastle upon Tyne and then take the A19 exit. Follow the A19 for 3 miles and then take the A189 exit at the roundabout. Follow the A189 north towards Blyth. Just after the River Blyth bridge take the first left and follow the road along the river to Bedlington. From the north: Take the main A1 trunck road south to Alnwick. Head for Alnwick town centre and follow the signs for the A1068 coastal route. Follow the A1068 until it merges with the A189. Follow the A189 until toward Blyth. Take the right hand turn just before the River Blyth bridge and follow the river towards Bedlington.
By rail: The nearest station is Cramlington.
By bus: Buses run from Ashington, Blyth and Newcastle Haymarket Bus Station to Bedlington

Map of area: CLICK HERE

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Belsay

Belsay Castle.

Belsay is a village in Northumberland, in England. It is situated to the north-west of Newcastle upon Tyne and Ponteland, on the A696. Belsay is home to Belsay Castle.

It was founded by Scottish nobleman and doctor John de Strivelyn around 1340 when he was granted the property by Edward III. On his death the castle and estate passed to his daughter, who was married to Sir John Middleton, and has remained with the family since.

Belsay has many attractions: a fine medieval castle, enlarged into a mansion in the 17th century; the imposing Greek Revival villa which was built later; and the outstanding, plant-rich gardens linking the two buildings.

The whole ensemble was owned by the Middleton family for more than seven centuries. First came the castle, still dominated by its massive 14th century 'peel tower', one of the best surviving examples in England. Though built as a refuge at a time of endemic Anglo-Scottish warfare, it was also designed to impress: its first-floor great chamber still displays rare traces of elaborate medieval wall paintings.

Following the coming of peace under James I, a column-entranced mansion wing was added to the castle in 1614: here the family lived until Christmas Day 1817, when they moved into Belsay Hall.

Sir Stephen Middleton gave the property to English Heritage around 1980.

Article adapted from the Wikipedia online encyclopedia.

How to get to Belsay:

By road: From the south: Take the main A1 trunk road to Newcastle upon Tyne. On the A1 western bypass take the Kenton turn-off (A696) sign posted toward Ponteland. Follow the road on through Ponteland and Belsay is about 10 miles further on. From the north: Leave the A1 at Morpeth and head for the town centre and over the River Wanbeck bridge. At the roundabout take the third exit and head towards Loansdean. About 800 metres after leaving the roundabout you will see the golf club house on the right - turn right immediately after. Follow the road for 8 miles to Belsay.
By rail: The nearest station is Cramlington.
By bus: Very infrequent bus services run from Newcastle Haymarket Bus Station, Morpeth and Ashington. Check before travelling.

Map of area: CLICK HERE

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