Acomb
Situated on the north bank of the river Tyne, opposite Hexham in Northumberland, is the village of Acomb which lies where the land rises from the riverbank and veers upwards towards Hadrian’s Wall. Its location north of the river meant that it was often subject to Scottish attack and was destroyed on several occasions. The name is derived from the term acum of Anglo-Saxon origin meaning “at the oak trees”. Evidence of Bronze Age burials has been found to the east and two early medieval burials have been discovered. The church of St.John Lee was built in the 14th century when much of the parish was, as it still is today, one of dispersed homesteads. The Fallowfield lead mine was a significant employer from the early 16th to mid 19th century. By 1840 however, the mine was in decline and closed in 1913 due to flooding. There was also a colliery at Acomb and the remains of a limekiln have been found. The country village has always been a rural community and continues to be so today, whilst also providing an attractive place of residence for a growing population of commuters to Hexham, Carlisle and Newcastle upon Tyne.
Click for places to stay and places to visit in this area
Recommended Books:
Old English Villages (Country S.) |
English Villages (Writer's Britain S.) | Illustrated Guide to Country Towns and... | Domesday Heritage: Towns and Villages of... |
Brit Quote: |
|
On this day: |