Author: Peter

Ann Richardson, widow, Alnwick, was summoned at the instance of the Local Board Health for unlawfully obstructing the execution of an order made by the justices of the peace requiring her son to be removed to a hospital for infectious diseases at Alnwick. Mr. Robert Middlemas, solicitor, Clerk to the Local Board, represented that body … Continue reading The local board and their fever hospital

We all know the lane that runs between the North-East corner of the Marketplace and Bondgate Within. But what is it called? “Market Passage” has a long pedigree, and support from distinguished authorities. But it’s not the only possibility. Writing in the 1860s George Tate tells us that in 1770 this was called “Pye’s Lane” … Continue reading Also known as…

We were asked about the history of Hulne Park Wall. We thought it would be a straightforward question, but it wasn’t. The story is complex, and there are inconsistencies between different accounts. Royal Forest Today a forest is an area of dense woodland, but in the medieval world a forest was an area used for … Continue reading Hulne Park Wall

Following the Cholera Outbreak in 1849, Alnwick installed one of the most advanced sewage sytems in the world. The pipes ran down Clayport, Fenkle Street, Narrowgate and Bow Alley; to join others along Green Batt, Bondgate and Green Well Lane. From Barneyside they ran parallel to the river – to a point opposite Waterside House, … Continue reading Alnwick’s historic sewerage

Some remember October 21st for Nelson’s Victory at the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805. Some remember the birth of Dizzie Gilespie in 1917 or Peter Mandelson in 1953. On October 21st 1962 John F. Kennedy was preparing to brief the American public on the Cuban Missile Crisis. October 21st 1966 was the last day that … Continue reading October 21st