Mitford, meaning a place between two rivers, boasts a proud history with its fine medieval church, Mitford Hall, and castle remains. Recorded history of the village appears to have begun at about the time of the Norman conquest, a mere 945 years ago, but there is evidence of much older occupation of the valley and the surrounding countryside. A 1968 aerial survey showed two Romano-British fortlets, or fortified farmsteads, between Mitford Steads and Gubeon, and two others at High House.
The settlement after the Roman exodus appears to have been on higher ground nearer Gubeon and known later as Aldworth to the villagers who had moved down to the more easily defended site near the river where the first Saxon castle was probably built on the small natural hill currently occupied by the remains of the Norman castle.
Built between 1150 and 1170 by William Bertram, Mitford castle was one of Northumberland's largest fortifications at the time. The castle was "knocked about a bit" by King John in 1216 and besieged by the Scots the following year; it was abandoned in the late 14th century and has suffered badly over the centuries from looting of stones for building.
St. Mary Magdalene Church dates from about 1135 and is possibly on the site of an earlier, simpler Saxon church. King John's troops burned the church down in 1216 in revenge for Roger Bertram having been one of the barons who forced the King to sign Magna Carta the year before.
It was again burned in 1705 when the heating stove caught fire and the roof was destroyed and the church reduced to a ruinous state. In 1874 a great restoration took place, adding a tower and steeple and was completed in 1885.
The squire at the time, Col. J.P.O. Mitford, undertook the work at his own expense. Inside are splendid, massive Norman pillars and an interesting effigy to Bertram Revely.
A huge “Thank You” to those who responded to the recent community project to try and get fibre broadband to homes in the village. A grand total of 74 households expressed an interest, and the details were passed to OpenReach on Monday 21st December. Further updates will be posted throughout the process.
In the meantime, Happy Christmas, best wishes for 2021 and keep safe.
A community project is currently underway, supported by the Parish Council, to try and get fibre broadband into the village. Many residents experience very slow broadband speeds, but there are national and local funding streams available – around £1500 per household, plus some ‘top up’ funding via the www.gigabitvoucher.culture.gov.uk scheme – and if enough households in the village sign up to the project, then this could amount to a sizeable pot of money, to attract a fibre provider to install the necessary kit. You should have received a leaflet about this and there’s also information on the noticeboards. Already around 30 households have joined, which is great – but more are needed! If you’re interested, please email mitfordpc@gmail.com with your name, address and landline number.
It’s anticipated that the road from the B6343 junction heading up Spital Hill, along St Leonard’s Lane and then along the short link to the A1 junction, will be closed from Monday 7th December 2020 to Friday 18th December 2020. The closure will be between the hours of 0800 and 1600 and is to allow for repairs to a cycle track and drainage works.
Mitford Parish Council – Wednesday 3rd February 2021 at 7.30pm
Owing to restrictions because of COVID-19, an electronic meeting of the Parish Council will take place on Wednesday 3rd February at 7.30pm
Download :
Agenda Minutes
Supporting Docs
Mitford Parish Council – Wednesday 2nd December 2020 at 7.30pm
Owing to restrictions because of COVID-19, an electronic meeting of the Parish Council will take place on Wednesday 2nd December at 7.30pm
Download : Agenda Minutes
Supporting Docs
Supporting Docs 2