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Many Alnwick buildings have found a new purpose. There are numerous examples. The Maltings and both former Workhouses are now residential. Plans have been prepared to convert 2, Bailiffgate and Sion Chapel to hotels. Historic England have used the conversion of St Mary’s Church to Bailiffgate Museum as a case study in sustainability. So when … Continue reading Secondhand September

Is this the oldest purpose-built Mechanics’ Institute that has survived? The Literary and Philosophical Society in Newcastle began as a “conversation club” in 1793, and by 1825 had evolved into a library and a meeting point where the city’s intelligentsia could debate matters of the day. Similar societies were formed in Manchester (1781), Birmingham (1789), … Continue reading Mechanics’ Institute

The Office of National Statistics publishes estimates of the numbers who move into Northumberland and the numbers who move out. Last year they reckon that half of those who moved into Northumberland came from the North-East. Roughly a third came from immediately south of the county: 21% from Newcastle upon Tyne, and 15% from North … Continue reading Recognise that accent?

Mr Stafford gave up his home so that we can continue to enjoy Bondgate Tower. So far we’ve been unable to find out anything else about him. Can you help? Once there were four gateways into the walled town of Alnwick. Pottergate Tower was rebuilt in 1768. Clayport Tower was removed in 1804 to improve … Continue reading The lost house of Mr Strafford

Narrowgate House, at 31 & 33 Narrowgate, is widely known as General Lambert’s House, and was listed under that name in 1977. But there never was a General Lambert. In 1811 John Lambert, a solicitor and property developer bought two small properties on Narrowgate. Dating from the 16th or 17th century, number 31 was probably … Continue reading What happened to General Lambert?