Glanton: History and Landscape

Glanton brings together the history of its buildings and the landscape of the Vale of Whittingham. A stay here can therefore focus on different things: historic architecture, local heritage and views of the surrounding countryside. You can explore Glanton through both its building history and its setting.

Landscape and Setting

Glanton lies on a south-facing spur of Glanton Hill. From this slope, views stretch across the Vale of Whittingham. The Cheviots frame the valley to the north, Simonside to the south and the Otterburn Moors to the west. These named landscapes provide clear points of reference and give the Vale its distinct aspects.

Building History in Individual Buildings

Branton and Glanton United Reformed Church was built in 1783 and is described as a simple rectangular preaching hall. In 1912, a porch and stairwell extension were added to a design by George Reavell of Alnwick. The building therefore shows both its late 18th-century construction and later additions from the early 20th century.

Town Farmhouse is a Grade II listed house dating from the mid-18th century; it was altered in the early 19th century. Glanton House is also considered a mid-18th-century house and is described as a new build from 1763/64. At Town Farmhouse, the later alteration and Grade II listing are part of its context, while at Glanton House the date of its construction stands out.

The garden walls south of Glanton House bear the year 1740 on the lintel of the western doorway. This is a separate dating detail on the garden walls and should not be confused with the description of Glanton House as a new build. Much of Glanton is also designated a Conservation Area.

The World Bird Research Station building was built in 1796 for Richard Hatkin. Its rear wing is older, dating from the early 18th century. The building therefore combines parts from different periods.

Historical Traces

Glanton’s first recorded mention appears in the Assize Rolls, covering the period from 1198 to 1272. Another form of local remembrance can be found at the Jubilee Pole on Glanton Hill: a brass plaque commemorates Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee in 1897. Other plaques refer to Queen Elizabeth’s Silver and Diamond Jubilees.

The Roman road Devil’s Causeway is also part of the village’s historical context. It ran towards Glanton and crossed the village road from the A697 about 70 metres east of The Juries.

Quarry and Fossils

On the south side of Glanton Pyke lies a long-abandoned quarry with features of cementstone. Plant fossils known as Calamites have also been found there. The rock features and fossils provide two specific clues to the geology of this site.

The Glanton Show in August

The Glanton Show takes place every year on the second Saturday in August and is organised by the local community. If you would like to plan your trip around the event, check the date for the relevant year when making your plans.

Discover more destinations: Shilbottle, Lowick, Wooperton, Edlingham, Slaggyford, Guyzance, Bellingham, Fourstones

For the regional travel overview: Northumberland.