Welcome to Mitford Parish Council

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.

Mitford Castle

St Mary Magdalene Church

Mitford Cricket Club

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.

Mitford News

29 October 2021

What’s going on in Mitford this November?

Monday 1st November

Now cancelled - 7.30pm – Parish Council Meeting, Village Hall

 

Sunday 7th to Sunday 20th November

Display of knitted poppies (red, white and purple) – Mitford Church

 

Tuesday 9th November

3.00pm to 4.00pm – mobile library in Fontside

 

7.00pm – Historical Society meeting, Village Hall – free entry

Talk entitled “Behind the scenes of the Heritage Centre”

 

Sunday 14th November

10.00am – Remembrance Service, Mitford Church

 

 

Every Monday

10.30am – Country Dance class in the Village Hall

 

Every Tuesday

10.00am – Pilates class in the Village Hall

 

Every Thursday

7.00pm to 9.00pm – Table tennis in the Village Hall – new members always welcome

11 October 2021

New Dance Class – Monday mornings

There’s a new gentle country dance class now on at Mitford Village Hall on Monday mornings from 10.30am until 12 noon.

The cost is £5 per session, with the option to pay termly – and the first session is free. It’s a small and friendly group and no partners are needed as everyone swaps around; no special clothing or footwear is needed either. Come and have a go and see if you like it!

27 July 2021

Mitford Village Hall

The Village Hall has undergone extensive refurbishment over the past few months. See here for the latest pictures. The Hall is open again for activities, classes and general bookings.

Council Minutes

Meetings