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

18 February 2020

Community Governance Review

Morpeth Town Council (MTC) has requested that a community governance review be carried out with a view to amending its boundaries with Hebron, Hepscott and Mitford Parish Councils.  If any of the changes are agreed, then there will be a follow on effect on the County Council Electoral Divisions of Longhorsley, Pegswood and Morpeth North. The deadline for comments on MTC's request is Friday 28 February 2020. Further details are available on the Northumberland County Council (NCC) website.

Mitford Parish Council's formal response to NCC as part of this consultation can be read here and a map showing the proposed changes can be viewed here

12 February 2020

Sad news

At last week's Parish Council meeting, the Chairman was saddened to report the death of Billy Elliott, who in 2016 was made the first Honorary Freeman of the Parish. He had served the community for several decades, including as a founding member of the Parish Council since its inception in 1955 and as Chairman since 1985. His continued service of over 50 years was recognised by the award of the honour of MBE. He was also Chairman of Trusts for Mitford Church, Governor of Mitford Primary School and its successor school, as well as executive committee member of the Northumberland branch of the NFU. A picture of the Honorary Freeman presentation can be seen here. Condolences have been passed to his family.

31 January 2020

What’s going on in Mitford Parish this February?

Tuesday 4th February
The Plough Inn – Buskers Night
 

Wednesday 5th February
7.30pm – Parish Council Meeting, Village Hall, Mitford
 

Friday 7th February
12.00 noon – Coffee and a cake – Café des Amis, Morpeth
 

Tuesday 11th February
7.30pm – Historical Society – “A History of Matting” – delivered by Fiona Golding, Karen Charlton and Hilary Wheeler, including a demonstration of their craft of ‘proggy, clippy and hooky’ rugs
 

Wednesday 12th February
Road closure begins on Spittal Hill / St Leonards Lane for drainage works
 

Every Tuesday
10.00am – Pilates class in the Village Hall – only £5 per session or £24 for a six-week block
 

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

Every Thursday
7.00pm – 8.00pm – FitSteps fitness/dance class in the Village Hall – £4 per session and with a loyalty card, the 10th class is free or £34 for a block of 10 weeks

Council Minutes