Mitford, Northumberland
| Mitford | |
| Northumberland | |
|---|---|
 Cottage at Mitford | |
| Location | |
| Grid reference: | NZ175860 |
| Location: | 55°10’5"N, 1°43’34"W |
| Data | |
| Population: | 448 (2011) |
| Post town: | Morpeth |
| Postcode: | NE61 |
| Local Government | |
| Council: | Northumberland |
| Parliamentary constituency: |
Wansbeck |
Mitford is a village in southern Northumberland, about two miles west of Morpeth.
History
Mitford was once a far greater market place for local people. Morpeth's market soon grew in prominence and Mitford fell from grace. This historic status of the two market town led to a folk rhyme:
Mitforde was Mitforde when Morpeth was none,
and Mitforde shall be Mitforde when Morpeth is gone.
The Mitford family held the Manor from Norman times. The ruins of their Manor House stand on the eastern side of the River Wansbeck. In about 1823 they abandoned the old Manor House for a new mansion house, Mitford Hall, which was designed by the famous Northern architect, John Dobson, and which was built on the opposite bank of the river and surrounded by woodland and a small deer park.
Parish church
The ancient church of St Mary Magdalene was rebuilt in 1875, but has preserved its Norman south arcade and 13th century chancel. The church is believed to have the oldest bell in the Diocese of Newcastle cast no later than about 1150.[1]
Sights about the village
Mitford Castle was built in the 11th century by William Bertram but by 1323 was no longer used. Today it is in ruins, and has recently undergone a major programme of structural support works.
Outside links
 |
("Wikimedia Commons" has material about Mitford, Northumberland) |
References
- ↑ Purves, Geoffrey (2006). Churches of Newcastle and Northumberland. Stroud, Gloucestershire: Tempus Publishing Limited. pp. 67. ISBN 0-7524-4071-3. http://www.tempus-publishing.com.