Northumberland is our northernmost county, bordering Cumbria to the west and Scotland to the north. A frontier zone since Roman times, the county was the site of many battles and cross-border skirmishes. Despite the wild and remote nature of the landscape, Northumberland is rich in archaeology from the prehistoric period right up to the more recent industrial history. Important archaeological sites in Northumberland include:
- Lordenshaws hill fort, site of 5000 year old rock art.
- The Cheviot hills, which are home to some 50 hill forts including the Iron Age fort at Yeavering Bell.
- A host of important Roman sites such as the fortress of Vindolanda, the forts of Housesteads, Epiacum and Chesters, and of course Hadrian’s Wall.
- The isle of Lindisfarne with its castle and the famous priory founded in AD635 and once home to St. Cuthbert.
- An abundance of castles including Alnwick, Bamburgh, Chillingham, Dustanburgh, Edlingham, Etal, Norham, Prudhoe and Warkworth.
- The ecclesiastical sites of Hexham Abbey and Brinkburn Priory.
- Black Middens Bastle and Woodhouses Bastle fortified farmhouses which attest to the lawless period of the Border Reivers.
Explore artefacts and coins found in Northumberland and recorded on the Portable Antiquities Scheme database. There’s even more about Northumberland finds and volunteering on our blog.
To get involved, try one of the museums, clubs or societies, or come to a local event. Contact us to learn more about volunteering for the Portable Antiquities Scheme.
