Kirknewton: Village History and Archaeological Traces

Kirknewton on the Edge of the National Park

Kirknewton lies at the entrance to the College Valley in Glendale, at the far northern edge of Northumberland National Park. The village consists of farm buildings and cottages. As the only Conservation Area in the national park, it has a special protected designation: Kirknewton Conservation Area was established in 1996 to protect and enhance the area’s special architectural and historic interest. Its historical themes range from the protected village setting to archaeological traces in the surrounding area.

Church and Village History

St Gregory’s Church brings together several historical points of reference. It was often damaged by enemy armies and raiders. An ancient stone relief of the Adoration of the Magi is set into the wall north of the chancel arch inside the church. The churchyard contains the grave of Josephine Butler, remembered as a social reformer, and war graves of young airmen. They lost their lives during the Second World War while flying from Milfield airbase. The Kirknewton Hillfort Trail starts at the church.

Kirknewton Village Hall also preserves part of the village’s history: display cases in the committee room contain artefacts from the former school on the site of the new hall, as well as memorabilia from a railway family. They date from the time when the Alnwick–Cornhill line ran through Kirknewton. Exhibits and access may change, so check in advance whether a visit is possible.

Archaeological Traces in the Surrounding Area

A bronze socketed axe found on the summit of Easter Tor in 1904 suggests that the summit was once a sacred place. Nearby Yeavering Bell is home to the remains of the largest Iron Age hillfort in the region. Platforms for more than one hundred timber-built roundhouses are visible there.

Nearby North Black Hagg is a well-preserved prehistoric defended settlement. The full course of both ramparts is clearly visible, along with traces of stone and timber building foundations. Between White Law and Yeavering Bell, well-preserved enclosed settlements, hut circles and field systems form an extensive area of Iron Age and Romano-British settlements with associated field systems. East of Hethpool Linn, there is also a well-preserved Romano-British native settlement with significant archaeological deposits.

Ad Gefrin preserves extensive and significant archaeological deposits dating from the Neolithic to the Anglo-Saxon period. Nearby Gefrin was the palace of King Edwin of Northumbria and his successors in the 7th century. The finds and the palace connection offer insight into different periods, while the prehistoric and Anglo-Saxon evidence describes separate chapters of the area’s history.

Trails, Night Skies and the College Valley

Two named trails offer different points of interest: the Kirknewton Hillfort Trail starts at St Gregory’s Church, while the Hethpool Linn and Yeavering Bell Walk passes a spectacular waterfall. The car park for Yeavering Bell is at the Gefrin lay-by on the B6351 between Wooler and Kirknewton.

Kirknewton Village Hall is designated a Dark Sky Discovery Site and is suitable for observing the dark skies over Northumberland National Park. Local conditions may vary. In the College Valley, native woodlands provide shelter for deer, hares and wild goats.

Visitors to the College Valley are welcome on foot, on horseback or by bicycle. Vehicles beyond the free car park at Hethpool, however, are restricted to permit holders. Keep this rule in mind when planning your journey or travel within the valley.

Getting There by Car

By car, reach Kirknewton north of Wooler via the A697; at Akeld, turn onto the B6351. There is a car park next to the Village Hall. Parking conditions may vary, so check before setting off. The car park for Yeavering Bell is at the Gefrin lay-by on the B6351 between Wooler and Kirknewton.

Discover more destinations: Widdrington, Holburn Village, Eshott, Cramlington, Blyth, Greenhead, Alwinton, Ellington

For the main travel overview: Northumberland.