INCHCOLM ISLAND VISIT

A day outing while in South Queensferry is to take the tour boat from Hawes Pier (right outside our hotel) to Inchcolm Island in the Firth of Forth.

The island has been the subject of raids by the British during Scotland Wars of Independence and more recently fortified as defence for Edinburgh in both World Wars. This post covers the trip to and from the island and a view of some of the defensive positions.

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Tugboats, Firth of Forth, South Queensferry, West Lothian, Scotland UK

These tugs service the shipping attending the nearby “Hound Point” oil facility.

Corringham     (top)      Hopetoun     (bottom)

Hound Point Oil Terminal, Firth of Forth, South Queensferry, West Lothian, Scotland UK

Hound Point is a marine terminal off a rocky headland of that name on the southern shore of the Firth of Forth, Scotland, just east of the Forth Bridge at South Queensferry. Built by BP and opened in 1975, it is owned and operated by Ineos as an oil-export terminal for North Sea oil and is the largest such facility in Scotland. It is supposedly named for the legend of a hound who howled after its master died in the crusades.

Hound Point Oil Terminal & Forth Rail Bridge, Firth of Forth, South Queensferry, West Lothian, Scotland UK

Gnome Rock, Inchcolm Island, Firth of Forth, Scotland UK

Old Dock, Inchcolm Island, Firth of Forth, Scotland UK

Bay, Inchcolm Island, Firth of Forth, Scotland UK

Towards Edinburgh, Firth of Forth, Scotland UK

Rock Strewn Beach, Inchcolm Island, Firth of Forth, Scotland UK

Rocky Hillside, Inchcolm Island, Firth of Forth, Scotland UK

Pathway to Wartime Defence Positions, Inchcolm Island, Firth of Forth, Scotland UK

Tunnel Remains, Middle Defences, Inchcolm, Firth of Forth, Scotland UK

Wartime Fortifications, Inchcolm Island, Firth of Forth, Scotland UK

Seals, Navigation Buoy 17, Firth of Forth, South Queensferry, West Lothian, Scotland UK

Below the Bridges, Firth of Forth, South Queensferry, West Lothian, Scotland UK

Queensferry Crossing      Forth Road Bridge     Forth Rail Bridge

Queensferry Crossing Bridge, Firth of Forth, Queensferry, West Lothian, Scotland UK

This is the second road bridge to cross The Firth of Forth and was opened in 2017.

Forth Road Bridge, Firth of Forth, South Queensferry, West Lothian, Scotland UK

The Forth Road Bridge is a suspension bridge in east central Scotland. The bridge opened in 1964 and at the time was the longest suspension bridge in the world outside the United States. The bridge spans the Firth of Forth, connecting Edinburgh, at South Queensferry, to Fife, at North Queensferry. It replaced a centuries-old ferry service to carry vehicular traffic, cyclists and pedestrians across the Forth; railway crossings are made by the nearby Forth Bridge, opened in 1890.

Forth Rail Bridge Pylon, Firth of Forth, South Queensferry, West Lothian, Scotland UK

Coloured                                            Black & White

SOUTH QUEENSFERRY

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Firth of Forth Bridges, South Queensferry, West Lothian, Scotland UK

The “Forth Rail Bridge” on the right, was opened in 1890 and is a UNESCO Wold Heritage site. The “Forth Road Bridge” the central bridge was opened 1963 and the newest bridge is “Queensferry Crossing” which opened in 2017 and is on the far left.

South Queensferry Lighthouse, Hawes Pier, South Queensferry, West Lothian, Scotland UK

A category B listed building since 1971, it was built by the Scottish civil engineer John Rennie in 1812, probably in collaboration with Robert Stevenson of Bell Rock fame, and is contemporary with the pier itself (also a Rennie work). It was a beacon to guide the ferry which operated between Hawes Pier and North Queensferry before being made redundant by the construction of the Forth Road Bridge in 1964.

Rusted Mooring Ring, Hawes Pier, South Queensferry, West Lothian, Scotland UK

Hawes Pier, Firth of Forth, South Queensferry, West Lothian, Scotland UK

The pier was also constructed by Rennie in 1812.

Old Roadside Marker, Edinburgh Road, South Queensferry, West Lothian, Scotland UK

Former ‘Seals Craig Hotel‘, 23 Edinburgh Road, South Queensferry, West Lothian, Scotland UK

Doors of South Queensferry, West Lothian, Scotland UK

Brass Plate, Vennel Kirk, The Vennel, South Queensferry, West Lothian, Scotland UK

The church has now been converted to a private residence.


Masonic Lodge & South Queensferry Mosaic Mural, The Vennel & Hawthorn Bank, South Queensferry, West Lothian, Scotland UK

The first school in Queensferry was at the top end of the churchyard of the Old Parish Church in the Vennel. In July 1671, it was decided to build a school using local stonework, at the south end of churchyard. The school was ready for occupancy in 1672 and still stands today as the Masonic Lodge.

Residential Block, Brewery Close, South Queensferry, West Lothian, Scotland UK

Jubliee Clock Tower from The Loan, South Queensferry, West Lothian. Scotland UK



“Loan House”, 10 The Loan, South Queensferry, West Lothian, Scotland UK

Category B Listed Building
The property fell vacant in the later 20th century and was gutted by fire in 1987. In 1990 the building was restored, with the addition of a north wing, by Douglas Abrahams and Partners for use as offices. As a result of the fire the original interior was lost and the interior of the building had to be rebuilt. Now Scottish Motor Trading Association Offices.

“Priory Lodge”, 8 The Loan, South Queensferry, West Lothian, Scotland UK

Category c Listed Building – 19th century gothic. This house is the only example of this style in the town centre.

Plewlands House, Cnr The Loan & Hopetoun Road, South Queensferry, West Lothian, Scotland UK

Plate – The National Trust for Scotland

Door – Marriage Lintel

The inscription above the door reads :-

[SPES MEA CHRISTUS, ‘Christ is my Hope’, and an anchor which indicates the occupation of the owner of the house. SW-AP were carved in relief with the year of the building, 1641.]

C.1641 – See its history here!


Priory Church of St Mary of Mount Carmel, Cnr Rose Lane & Hopetoun Road, South Queensferry, West Lothian, Scotland UK

Now a grade A listed building, the Priory Church is the only Carmelite foundation in the British Isles still in use for regular worship, out of the 12 founded in Scotland and the 39 in England.
George, the Laird of Dundas, invited the Carmelite Friars to come and settle in Queensferry around 1330. They were in temporary buildings until a century later. Architectural style suggests this was built no earlier than 1457.

Door Knocker, Priory Church of St Mary of Mount Carmel, Cnr Rose Lane & Hopetoun Road, South Queensferry, West Lothian, Scotland UK


“1884”, Rose Lane, South Queensferry, West Lothian, Scotland UK

Unfortunately I have not been able to find any information to identify this symbol. It does look like what may have been an early Masonic Symbol.

Bellstane Bird, Bellstane, South Queensferry, West Lothian, Scotland UK

Bellstane takes its name from the ringing of the bell which was rung to tell people the market was about to start. The actual bell is now in Queensferry museum.


Harbour Lane, South Queensferry, West Lothian, Scotland UK

Bay View, Gote Lane, South Queensferry, West Lothian, Scotland UK

Forth Rail Bridge, Firth of Forth, South Queensferry, West Lothian, Scotland UK

Slipway, Gote Lane, South Queensferry, West Lothian, Scotland UK

Dedication Plaque, Rosebery Hall, High Street, South Queensferry, West Lothian, Scotland UK


Memorial to John Reid, High Street, South Queensferry, West Lothian, Scotland UK

Inscription:- In Memory Of
John Reid
Provost of the Burgh
Of South Queensferry
1884 – 1899

Waterside Residential, High Street, South Queensferry, West Lothian, Scotland UK

“Black Castle”, 43 High Street, South Queensferry, West Lothian, Scotland UK

Category “A” Listed Building c. 1626. In 1626 mariner and explorer Willam Lowrie built the house for him and his wife Marion Speddie to live in and it is believed that the home would have originally been sandstone in colour. The name was most likely adopted during the “Witch Hunts” of the 1640s.

Scrolls, “Black Castle”, 43 High Street, South Queensferry, West Lothian, Scotland UK

The upper floor of Black Castle has 3 sets of windows, each with carvings and scroll details. The eaves above two of the dormer windows bear the date of construction (1626), along with Lowrie’s and Speddie’s initials. (WL – MS)

See a history surrounding its macabre story.

Old Well Head, High Street, South Queensferry, West Lothian, Scotland UK

A site where locals were able to draw water

Door Steps, Edinburgh Road, South Queensferry, West Lothian, Scotland UK

Belhaven Sign, Anchor Inn, Edinburgh Road, South Queensferry, West Lothian, Scotland UK

Interior scenes of Hawes Inn, Newhalls Road, South Queensferry, West Lothian, Scotland UK

“Weihenstephan”, Orocco Pier Hotel, High Street, South Queensferry, West Lothian, Scotland UK

ARRIVED AT SOUTH QUEENSFERRY, SCOTLAND

We reached our destination of The Hawes Inn under the famous Forth Rail Bridge, late afternoon and immediately went walking about. We spent a couple of hours here back in 2016 on a previous trip and were keen to take a better look over the place.

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 The Hawes Inn, Newhalls Road, South Queensferry, West Lothian, Scotland UK

Formerly known as the Newhalls Inn, this is a category ‘B’ listed building with several additions and alterations over the years. It was certainly renamed the ‘Hawes Inn’ by 1886. In fact evidence shows that in the book “Duncan’s Itinerary of Scotland 1820” it is listed as “The Hawes Inn” then.
​The Hawes Inn, 7 Newhalls Road, South Queensferry, is a late 17th century Coaching Inn, with a date stone [Marriage Lintel] on the south east wall which says JS- 1638- BB, taken from the old house, Newhalls (no information on the ‘old house’ as yet). These initials are believed to be merchant John Smith, and his wife Bessie Bathgate. During the eighteenth-century, the inn was used as a change house for stagecoaches using the Newhalls Ferry and the adjacent ‘Hawes Garage’ used to be the stables and coach-house.

Rear of The Hawes Inn, Newhalls Road, South Queensferry, West Lothian, Scotland UK
The Hawes Inn & Firth of Forth Rail Bridge, Newhalls Road, South Queensferry, West Lothian, Scotland UK
Stone Window Frame [1893], The Hawes Inn, Newhalls Road, South Queensferry, West Lothian, Scotland UK
Pub Sign, The Hawes Inn, Newhalls Road, South Queensferry, West Lothian, Scotland UK
The Hawes Inn at Night, Newhalls Road, South Queensferry, West Lothian, Scotland UK
The Hawes Inn Sign at Night, Newhalls Road, South Queensferry, West Lothian, Scotland UK
      Firth of Forth Rail Bridge, South Queensferry, West Lothian, Scotland UK

Construction of the bridge began in 1882 and it was opened on 4 March 1890 by the Duke of Rothesay, the future Edward VII. The bridge carries the Edinburgh–Aberdeen line across the Forth between the villages of South Queensferry and North Queensferry and has a total length of 8,094 feet (2,467 m). When it opened it had the longest single cantilever bridge span in the world, until 1919 when the Quebec Bridge in Canada was completed. It continues to be the world’s second-longest single cantilever span, with a span of 1,709 feet (521 m). Completed in 1890, it is considered a symbol of Scotland (having been voted Scotland’s greatest man-made wonder in 2016), and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It was designed by English engineers Sir John Fowler and Sir Benjamin Baker. It is sometimes referred to as the Forth Rail Bridge (to distinguish it from the adjacent Forth Road Bridge), although this is not its official name.

Award Plaques, Firth of Forth Rail Bridge, South Queensferry, West Lothian, Scotland UK

 Stone Pylons, Firth of Forth Rail Bridge, South Queensferry, West Lothian, Scotland UK
 Forth Road Bridges, South Queensferry, West Lothian, Scotland UK

The bridge in the foreground is the oldest opening in 1964 and the background bridge opened in 2017. It is a  1.7 miles (2.7km) structure & the longest 3-tower, cable-stayed bridge in the world. It is also by far the largest to feature cables which cross mid-span. When we passed here in 2016 it was still under construction.

  “Thirty Knots” Newhalls Road, South Queensferry, West Lothian, Scotland UK
 The Ferry Tap, 36 High Street, South Queensferry, West Lothian, Scotland UK

The building was erected in 1683 states the plaque on the wall and was originally a house. When it became an ‘Inn’ is unknown so far. There is no mention of it in the early census information for Queensferry. The first information found is in the 1881 census, when, as a hotel, it was named the ‘Prince of Wales’ until pre March 1890. When the future King Edward VII opened the magnificent Forth Rail Bridge in March 1890, the hotel’s name was changed to ​‘The Forth Bridge Hotel’. The Hotel suffered a fire in 1907 and it had to be rebuilt. Jessie Mackenzie was proprietor at this time. There was another fire in 1976, remembered by locals, and it was closed for a while. The new owner, Neil Waterman re-opened it as a public house with the rooms upstairs converted into flats.
Later it was renamed ‘The Forth Bridges’ and with another later name change it became ‘The Ferry Tap’.

Anchor Inn, 10 Edinburgh Road, South Queensferry, West Lothian, Scotland UK

It is believed to be the oldest “Pub” in Queensferry (not being a “hotel”), and is definitely the smallest ‘pub’ in Queensferry, a traditional village pub.

 “Black Castle”, 43 High Street, South Queensferry, West Lothian, Scotland UK

Category “A” Listed Building c. 1626. In 1626 mariner and explorer Willam Lowrie built the house for him and his wife Marion Speddie to live in and it is believed that the home would have originally been sandstone in colour. The name was most likely adopted during the “Witch Hunts” of the 1640s.

See a history surrounding its macabre story.

Old Buildings in East Terrace, Edinburgh Road, South Queensferry, West Lothian, Scotland UK

East Terrace is a roadway above the Edinburgh Road. The steps seen above lead to it.

Edinburgh Road to Former 'Seals Craig Hotel', 23 Edinburgh Road, South Queensferry, West Lothian, Scotland UK
Former 'Seals Craig Hotel', 23 Edinburgh Road, South Queensferry, West Lothian, Scotland UK
Doorway of Former 'Seals Craig Hotel', 23 Edinburgh Road, South Queensferry, West Lothian, Scotland UK

Category “C” Listed Building. c.1870

Orocco Pier Bar & Restaurant, 17 High Street, South Queensferry, West Lothian, Scotland UK

South Queensferry Tollbooth, 19 High Street, South Queensferry, West Lothian, Scotland UK

History of this building:   The building incorporates The Jubilee Clock Tower & Roseberry Hall.

Stone Steps, Tolbooth, 19 High Street, South Queensferry, West Lothian, Scotland UK

Plewlands House, Cnr The Loan & Hopetoun Road, South Queensferry, West Lothian, Scotland UK

This another property with a history. Unfortunately I did not photography the great Marriage on the doorway but see it here in Google Street View.

History is here:

See also:   Image 1 … & …   Image 2

Memorial to John Reid, High Street, South Queensferry, West Lothian, Scotland UK

In Memory Of
John Reid
Provost of the Burgh
Of South Queensferry
1884 – 1899

"Craig View", 5 Edinburgh Road, South Queensferry, West Lothian, Scotland UK
Old Street Sign, Newhalls Road-Edinburgh Road, South Queensferry, West Lothian, Scotland UK

HAYDON BRIDGE to SOUTH QUEENSFERRY (Scotland)

We proceed further on our trip leaving Haydon Bridge and heading across the border and into Scotland with our destination and stay for the next few days being South Queensferry

Google Maps View of Locations

Old Bridge, Haydon Bridge, Northumberland, England UK

The old bridge built in 1680 is now a pedestrian bridge only. It is a Grade II Listed Building

England-Scotland Border Stone, Carter Bar, Jedburgh, Scottish Borders, Scotland UK

Jedburgh Abbey, Abbey Bridge End, Jedburgh, Roxburghshire, Scotland, UK

Jedburgh Abbey & Canongate Bridge, Abbey Bridge End, Jedburgh, Roxburghshire, Scotland, UK

Jedburgh is one of the four great abbeys established in the Scottish Borders in the 1100s. David I founded a priory here in 1138 and raised it to abbey status in 1154. The brethren may have come here from St Quentin Abbey, near Beauvais, France.  Monastic life was largely routine. But the abbey’s border location meant it was caught up in the conflict between Scotland and England in the later Middle Ages. The canons had to evacuate the premises during the Wars of Independence in the 1300s. The demise of Jedburgh’s monastic life was sealed by further attacks in the 1400s, major raids in the 1500s & the Protestant Reformation of 1560.

We did not visit the ruins as we had done so on a previous visit.

Trinity Church, Cnr Newcastle & Oxnam Roads, Jedburgh, Roxburghshire, Scotland UK

Melrose Abbey Ruins, Abbey Street, Melrose, Roxburghshire, Scottish Borders, Scotland UK

Unfortunately I could only walk around the outside of the building itself as it was undergoing preservation work and was considered dangerous within the ruin.

The abbey was founded in 1136 by King David I of Scotland. It was established by the Cistercian monks. It was attacked several times and following a foray by Richard II in 1385 it was completely rebuilt.

Only a very small part of the first abbey church survives. The present building of rose-coloured stone dates almost entirely to the post-1385 rebuilding. Yet Melrose is still considered one of the most magnificent examples of medieval church architecture anywhere in the British Isles.

It is the place where the heart of Robert the Bruce was interred.

Commendator’s House Museum, Cloisters Road, Melrose, Roxburghshire, Scottish Borders, Scotland UK

The Commendator’s House Museum lays claim to having the largest collection of medieval artefacts on display anywhere in Scotland. It forms part of Melrose Abbey.

A commendator is a person who is responsible for overseeing a benefice, which is a type of church property. They are called “commendators” because the property is entrusted to their care. In history, a “commendatus” was someone who swore loyalty to a lord and was placed under their protection.

Doors of the Commendator’s House, Cloisters Road, Melrose, Roxburghshire, Scottish Borders, Scotland UK

Image 1     *****     Image 2     ***** Image 3

The centre image is a door with a “Marriage Lintel”.  The initials of James Douglas, the Commendator of Melrose Abbey & those of his wife Mary Kerr of Ferniehirst (whom he married in 1587), appear with the date 1590 on a recut lintel over the main entrance. This was a common practice of the times but died out by the end of the 19th century.

The lintels serve as a record of a marriage and the joining together of two families, who were often aristocratic or monied. Lintels could be added to a building which was built specifically for the married couple, or were carved into a pre-existing lintel. They were always set over the main entrance and some also appear inside houses, above the most visible fireplace. Wherever they were placed, they were meant to be seen. They are a feature of the east coast of Scotland and date primarily from the sixteenth to the eighteenth centuries.

Windows, Commendator’s House, Melrose Abbey, Cloisters Road, Melrose, Roxburghshire, Scottish Borders, Scotland UK

Window 1 Window 2
Window 3 Window 4
Window 5 Window 6

Corbels, Commendator’s House Museum, Cloisters Road, Melrose, Roxburghshire, Scottish Borders, Scotland UK

Corbel 1 Corbel 2

Corbels were supports for the beams set into walls. These came from domestic buildings associated with the abbey. c1200s

Road Sign, Cloisters Road, Melrose, Roxburghshire, Scottish Borders, Scotland UK

Old Stone Gate Posts, Harmony Cottage, Abbey Street, Melrose, Roxburghshire, Scottish Borders, Scotland UK

Image 1 Image 2

Turret Clock Works, Commendator’s House, Cloisters Road, Melrose, Roxburghshire, Scottish Borders, Scotland UK

This was erected on the end of the abbey church in 1762.

Old Tweed Bridge, River Tweed, Galashiels, Roxburghshire, Scottish Borders, Scotland UK

Image 1 Image 2 Image 3

The Old Tweed Bridge was opened by Sir Walter Scott in 1832. Having operating as the main link between Selkirk and Galashiels for 140 years. It is now a dedicated pedestrian bridge.

HEXHAM & ALLENDALE TOWN, NORTHUMBERLAND

Google Maps View of Locations

Benson of Allerwash Memorial Gates, Hexham Park, Cnr Hencotes & Beaumont Street, Hexham, Northumberland, England UK

Erected in 1912 in memory of Lieut. Col. G. E. Benson of Allerwash, [died 1901], by his brother. It is a Grade II Listed Building.

Queen’s Hall, Beaumont Street, Hexham, Northumberland, England UK

“Completed in 1866 as the Town Hall and Corn Exchange, by the 1920s it contained a dance hall and the Queen’s Hall cinema. It was saved from demolition in 1975 and re-opened as the Queen’s Hall Arts centre with a library, art rooms, theatre and gallery. It is a Grade II Listed Building.

Arched Memorial Gateway, Seles Park, Beaumont Street, Hexham, Northumberland, England UK

Descriptions on the dedication plaques.

Unusual Recess in Wall, Hexham Abbey Museum, Beaumont Street, Hexham, Northumberland, England UK

Stone Arch, Cowgarth, Hexham, Northumberland, England UK

Park Entrance, Cowgarth, Hexham, Northumberland, England UK

Bridge Structure over Halgut Burn, Cowgarth, Hexham, Northumberland, England UK

Halgut Burn, Hexham Park, Cowgarth, Hexham, Northumberland, England UK

Hexham House is a Grade II Listed Building

Hexham House & Garden, Gilesgate, Hexham, Northumberland, England UK

Park Bench, Hexham Park, Cowgarth, Hexham, Northumberland, England UK

Hexham Bandstand, The Sele, Beaumont Street, Hexham, Northumberland, England UK

The bandstand built in 1912, is a Grade II Listed Building

Happy Dogs, Cowgarth, Hexham, Northumberland, England UK

Image 1 ****** Image 2

We came upon these two dogs bounding around the park and leaping onto and completely over this wall.

Garden, The Parish Centre, Cowgarth, Hexham, Northumberland, England UK

Letters, 9 Beaumont Street, Hexham, Northumberland, England UK

Planter, Beaumont Street, Hexham, Northumberland, England UK

Doorway, Trinity Methodist Church, Beaumont Street, Hexham, Northumberland, England UK

Archway, Hencotes, Hexham, Northumberland, England UK

The Historical Plaque on the Left Side of the Arch

Excelsior Buildings, Battle Hill, Hexham, Northumberland, England UK

The Globe Inn, Battle Hill, Hexham, Northumberland, England UK

Street Sign, St Marys Chare, Hexham, Northumberland, England UK

Chare:-
Noun. chare (plural chares) Alternative form of char (“turn, task, chore, worker”). (Northern England) A narrow lane or passage between houses in a town.

Door, St Marys Chare, Hexham, Northumberland, England UK

The Grapes, 1 St Marys Chare, Hexham, Northumberland, England UK

Old Pharmacy Sign, Fore Street, Hexham, Northumberland, England UK

The intricate carvings above Gibson’s Pharmacy in Hexham were produced in 1916 by a Belgian refugee. The contents of the pharmacy are now held in the Science Museum, London, while the shop has found another use.

“Shambles” Old Town Market, Market Place, Hexham, Northumberland, England UK

A Grade II Listed Building.

Old Door, Fore Street, Hexham, Northumberland, England UK

Anglo-Saxon Crypt, Hexham Abbey, Hexham, Northumberland, England UK

Queen Etheldreda of Northumbria gave Wilfrid land on which he built the Benedictine monastery dedicated to St Andrew which became Hexham Abbey and Cathedral. Only the crypt survives, but that shows how St Wilfrid’s great church was built from stone quarried by the Romans four or five centuries before. The crypt is over 1300 years old.

St Aidan’s Church, Hencote, Hexham, Northumberland, England UK

Memorial to George Elliott Benson, Cnr Hencotes & Beaumont Street, Hexham, Northumberland, England UK

Image 1 ****** Image 2

Hexham Community Church, Cnr Hencotes & Beaumont Street, Hexham, Northumberland, England UK

Pubs, Market Place, Allendale Town, Northumberland, England UK

The King’s Head & The Golden Lion

The Golden Lion Hotel, Market Place, Allendale Town, Northumberland, England UK

A Grade II Listed Building

Doorway, Victoria House, Market Place, Allendale Town, Northumberland, England UK

Door Lamp, The King’s Head, Market Place, Allendale Town, Northumberland, England UK

St Cuthbert’s Church, Market Place, Allendale Town, Northumberland, England UK

Grade II Listed Building

Parish church on medieval site built in 1874, except for lower part of tower which survives from the church of 1807

Grave Stones, St Cuthbert’s Church, Market Place, Allendale Town, Northumberland, England UK

Graves of:-
George Maughan 1760-1848
Joseph Shield 1793-1873
Nicholas Rowell 1753-1842

Holly, St Cuthbert’s Church, Market Street, Allendale Town, Northumberland, England UK

Former Trustee Savings Bank, Market Place, Allendale Town, Northumberland, England UK

A Grade II Listed Building. Site of the bank since 1838 with these premises erected in 1873.

Former Bank with Night Safe, Allendale Town, Northumberland, England UK

I was unable to find any history about this building. It is now residential.

Allendale Inn, The Peth, Allendale Town, Northumberland, England UK

Hotspur House, 4 Arnison Terrace, Allendale Town, Northumberland, England UK

A Grade II Listed Building used as a B&B (currently for sale)

River Allen & Cupola Bridge, Allendale Town, Northumberland, England UK

A Grade II Listed Building constructed in 1778

HEXHAM ABBEY, NORTHUMBERLAND, ENGLAND

While staying at Haydon Bridge, we took a drive to the nearby town of Hexham and visited its magnificent abbey, a site that dates as far back as the year 664.

Visit this page for the historical account of the abbey

Google Maps View of Locations

Image 1     **     Image 2

Image 1     **     Image 2

Image 1     **     Image 2

LANERCOST PRIORY RUINS & THE CHURCH OF ST MARY MAGDALENE

We stumbled upon this place after  visiting Vindolanda & Hadrian’s Wall.

Old priory that played host to both King Edward I and Robert Bruce during in its tumultuous history.

An excellent detailing of the history of the priory can be found at this site:-

English Heritage.

Google Maps View of LocationThe Ruin of the Gateway Entrance to the site.

Church of St Mary Magdalene, Lanercost, Brampton, Cumbria, England UK

Side Door of Church of St Mary Magdalene, Lanercost, Brampton, Cumbria, England UK

Interior, Church of St Mary Magdalene, Lanercost, Brampton, Cumbria, England UKMemorial Plaques

Image 1 — Image 2

Internal Doorway, Church of St Mary Magdalene, Lanercost, Brampton, Cumbria, England UK

Access Door to Lanercost Priory Ruins, Lanercost, Brampton, Cumbria, England UK

Doorway to Dacre Hall, Lanercost Priory Ruins, Lanercost, Brampton, Cumbria, England UK

Tombs, Lanercost Priory Ruins, Lanercost, Brampton, Cumbria, England UK

Image 1 — Image 2

Cemetery, Lanercost Priory Ruins, Lanercost, Brampton, Cumbria, England UK

Grave Stones, Lanercost Priory Cemetery, Lanercost, Brampton, Cumbria, England UK

Image 1 — Image 2 — Image 3

Lanercost Priory Ruins, Lanercost, Brampton, Cumbria, England UK

ROMAN HISTORY II

Continuing the time at Haydon Bridge to explore Roman History.

GOOGLE EARTH VIEWImage 1     –     Image 2

    Image 1     –     Image 2     –     Image 3     –     Image 4

Exhibits, Vindolanda Museum, Bardon Mill, Hexham, Northumberland, England UK

Sculpture Exhibit, Vindolanda Museum, Bardon Mill, Hexham, Northumberland, England UK

Vindolanda Museum Gardens, Bardon Mill, Hexham, Northumberland, England UK

Chainley Burn, Vindolanda Museum Gardens, Bardon Mill, Hexham, Northumberland, England UK

Chainley Burn, Vindolanda Museum Gardens, Bardon Mill, Hexham, Northumberland, England UK

Stone Post, Roman Army Museum, Pennine Way, Greenhead, Brampton, Northumberland, England UK

Majestic Tree, Roman Army Museum, Pennine Way, Greenhead, Brampton, Northumberland, England UK

Section of Hadrian’s Wall, Upper Denton, Brampton, Northumberland, England UK

This section is adjacent to the Birdoswald Roman Fort ruins.

     Image 1     –     Image 2

Ruins of Birdoswald Roman Fort, Upper Denton, Brampton, Northumberland, England UK

Hadrian’s Wall Banks East Turret, Pike Hill, Banks, Brampton, Cumbria, England UK

ROMAN HISTORY

One of the reasons to stay in Haydon Bridge was its proximity to ancient Roman archaeological sites and to Hadrian’s Wall.

GOOGLE EARTH VIEW

Housesteads Roman Fort, Military Road, Haydon Bridge, Hexham, Northumberland, England UK

Housesteads Roman Fort was an auxiliary fort on Hadrian’s Wall,at Housesteads, Northumberland, England. It is dramatically positioned on the end of the mile-long crag of the Whin Sill over which the Wall runs, overlooking sparsely populated hills. It was called the “grandest station” on the Wall and is one of the best-preserved and extensively displayed forts. It was occupied for almost 300 years.

The name of the fort has been given as Vercovicium, Borcovicus, Borcovicium, and Velurtion. An inscription found at Housesteads with the letters VER, is believed to be short for Ver(covicianorum), the letters ver being interchangeable with bor in later Latin.

The 18th-century farmhouse of Housesteads provides the modern name.

A Local Visitor, Military Road, Haydon Bridge, Hexham, Northumberland, England UK

Shaded Seating Area, Vindolanda Museum and Archaeological Site, Hexham, Northumberland, England UK

The seat supports are from the archaeological excavations.

Vindolanda was a Roman auxiliary fort (castrum) just south of Hadrian’s Wall in northern England, which it pre-dated. Archaeological excavations of the site show it was under Roman occupation from roughly 85 AD to 370 AD. Located near the modern village of Bardon Mill in Northumberland, it guarded the Stanegate, the Roman road from the River Tyne to the Solway Firth. It is noted for the Vindolanda tablets, a set of wooden leaf-tablets that were, at the time of their discovery, the oldest surviving handwritten documents in Britain.

Vindolanda Archaeological Site, Bardon Mill, Hexham, Northumberland, England UK

“The Way Home to Rome”, Roman Army Museum, Pennine Way, Greenhead, Brampton, Northumberland, England UK

Exhibits, Roman Army Museum, Pennine Way, Greenhead, Brampton, Northumberland, England UK

Majestic Tree, Roman Army Museum, Pennine Way, Greenhead, Brampton, Northumberland, England UK

Countryside View, Roman Army Museum, Pennine Way, Greenhead, Brampton, Northumberland, England UK

Crindledykes Lime Kiln, Bardon Mill, Hexham, Northumberland, England UK

“Crindledykes Lime Kiln” stands beside a minor road running from the Military Road, west of Housesteads Roman Fort, to Bardon Mill. It is one of several limekilns built in this area in the C19th to turn locally quarried limestone into quicklime. Coal was brought from the nearby Barcombe Coal Mine via a waggonway. It is the only kiln in Northumberland which had four draw arches supplied from a single upper pot, although two were later blocked up to reduce production in the early 1900s.

KIRKBY STEPHEN to HAYDON BRIDGE – 2023

Lunch was at Kirkby Stepehen and then on to Haydon Bridge

“Mango Tree” Indian Restaurant, Market Square, Kirkby Stephen, Cumbria, England UK

The Cloisters, Market Square, Kirkby Stephen, Cumbria, England UK

This is the entrance to St Stephen’s Church

Churchyard Gate, St Stephen’s Church, Kirkby Stephen, Cumbria, England UK

St Stephen’s Church, Kirkby Stephen, Cumbria, England UK

Church of England (probably dedicated to more than one saint originally).
Rebuilt c1230 with later additions and alterations.

War Memorial, Market Square, Kirkby Stephen, Cumbria, England UK

Kirkby Stephen War Memorial commemorates 48 local servicemen who fell in the First World War and 12 men who fell in the Second World War. Dedicated 8 July 1920 & again 11 March 1967 following damage caused by a severe storm in 1966.

Harthope Quarry, Harthope Road, Ireshopeburn, Bishop Auckland , County Durham, England UK

The Bar, Railway Hotel, Church Street, Haydon Bridge, Northumberland, England UK

“Tyneview”, 2 Ratcliffe Road, Haydon Bridge, Northumberland, England UK

Colour Image …………… Black & White Image

The General Havelock, Ratcliffe Road, Haydon Bridge, Northumberland, England UK

Originally called The Three Tuns, an 18c building it was renamed the General Havelock Inn after the Indian Army Major General Sir Henry Havelock and is now a famous restaurant.

Alley, Ratcliffe Road, Haydon Bridge, Northumberland, England UKMr George’s Museum Of Time, Ratcliffe Road, Haydon Bridge, Northumberland England UK

Residential Block, Ratcliffe Road, Haydon Bridge, Northumberland, England UK

Read the Blue Plaque:
Old Bridge, River South Tyne, Haydon Bridge, Northumberland, England UK

The first bridge at Haydon Bridge was built in around 1309, but following the flood of 1771, it had to be rebuilt in 1776. Following structural surveys it ceased to be used by cars and converted to footbridge use only in 1970. It is listed as a Grade II building by Historic England

This now a dedicated pedestrian bridge.

River South Tyne, Haydon Bridge, Northumberland, England UK

North Bank, River South Tyne, Haydon Bridge, Northumberland, England UK

Archway, Shaftoe’s Guest House, Shaftoe Street, Haydon Bridge, Northumberland, England UK

The Anchor Hotel, John Martin Street, Haydon Bridge, Northumberland, England UK

Rear Gate, “Labuan” Cottage, John Martin Street, Haydon Bridge, Northumberland, England UK

The Railway Hotel, Church Street, Haydon Bridge, Northumberland, England UK

This is where we spent a few nights whilst in Haydon Bridge

War Memorial, Church Street, Haydon Bridge, Northumberland, England UK

Dedicated 21 September 1921

St Cuthbert’s Church, Church Street, Haydon Bridge, Northumberland, England UK

Grade II Listed Building. The church was erected by the Greenwich Hospital Commissioners in 1796. The north transept was added in 1869 to accommodate children from the Shaftoe Trust School.