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

03 December 2019

What’s going on in Mitford this December?

Tuesday 3rd December
The Plough Inn – Buskers Night

Wednesday 4th December  
7.30pm – Parish Council Meeting, Village Hall, Mitford

Friday 6th December
12.00 noon – Coffee and a cake – Café des Amis, Morpeth

Saturday 7th December
Christmas Wreath making workshops – 10.00am and 2.00pm – Mitford Village Hall

Tuesday 10th December
7.30pm – Historical Society – “Members and Friends evening”

Friday 13th December
6.30pm – Beer & Carols – The Plough Inn

Sunday 15th December
6.00pm – Carols for all – Mitford Church

Monday 16th December
Road closure begins on St Leonard’s Lane from 8am – 4pm daily

Tuesday 24th December
4.00pm – Family Nativity Service – Mitford Church
11.00pm – Midnight Holy Communion – Mitford Church

Wednesday 25th December
10.30am – Family Christmas Communion – Mitford Church

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.

25 November 2019

ROAD CLOSURE - from Monday 16th December 2019

It’s anticipated that St Leonard’s Lane, Mitford, will be closed for several days from week commencing Monday 16th December 2019 between the hours of approximately 8am – 4pm, to allow road improvements and repairs, including at the bypass junction.

12 November 2019

MITFORD COMMUNITY CHRISTMAS TREE FESTIVAL

Saturday 30th November

The Mitford Community Christmas Tree Festival will run from Saturday 30th November until 25th December at Mitford St Magdalene Church, NE61 3PZ.
Decorate a tree or hang a star in our first festival of Christmas Trees. For the joy of the season, for the memory of a loved one – or just for fun.

For more info or to register contact Janice on janicerob1@gmail.com or leave a message with your contact details at the Parish Office  - 01670 943414

Council Minutes

Meetings