Book of Condolence
A Book of Condolence is available in the Village Hall, Mitford, for any residents who wish to pay their respects. Please see here for opening times.
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 Book of Condolence is available in the Village Hall, Mitford, for any residents who wish to pay their respects. Please see here for opening times.
Mitford Parish Council wishes to express its extreme sadness at the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. The Union Jack will be flown at half- mast except for a short period following the Accession Council and Proclamation of the new King. A formal Book of Condolence will be available soon.
Please see here for details of the above vacancy, more information and how to register an expression of interest.
A meeeting of the Parish Counill will take plade on Monday 6th March at 7.30pm in the Village Hall, Mitford
Download :Mitford Parish Council – Monday 6th February 2023 at 7.30pm
A meeting of the Parish Council will take place on Monday 6th February at 7.30pm in the Village Hall.
Download :