Knowledge of local history

Haltwhistle in Northumberland lies at ‘the centre of Britain’, close to the border with Scotland to the north and Cumbria to the west. Its history bears witness to a turbulent past as a town on the northern English frontier. Built to protect against cross-border raids, remains of fortified houses and peels, dating from the 15th and 16th centuries signpost a period of complex politics, economics, societal power, and lawlessness. Here, alongside ordinary folk, the English and Scottish Marches were inhabited by warlike riding families, who became known as the Border Reivers.

George Armstrong, baptised 15th August 1813, Durham Diocese Bishop’s Transcripts, 1639-1919 Northumberland, Haltwhistle 1758-1858 p.303.