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 June 2020

ANTI- SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR

The Parish Council have been informed that there’s been a marked increase in poaching,

graffiti, fly-tipping and trespassing over the last few weeks. It’s essential that incidents like this are reported to the Police – either by calling 101 or leaving an online submission at https://beta.northumbria.police.uk/ – so that an accurate record can be established. A new police Rural Crime team has been operational from Monday this week, so your help in reporting will better help them tackle these issues.

18 June 2020

Audit of Accounts 2019/2020

The Mitford Parish Council accounts for 2019 / 2020 have been audited successfully and are now available to view here

12 June 2020

Lowering the Flag

Following a suggestion made to the Parish Council, it’s been agreed that upon the death of a parish resident, the flag at the entrance to Fontside can be flown at half-mast on the day of the funeral. The Parish Council recognises that this will be a sad and emotional time and either the family can make the request directly or a parish councillor will discreetly speak with the family, if they are known.

The policy can be read here

Council Minutes

Meetings