Allenheads

Allenheads
Northumberland
Allenheads
Location
Grid reference:	NY855455
Location:	54°48’14"N, 2°13’37"W
Data
Post town:	Hexham
Postcode:	NE47
Dialling code:	01434
Local Government
Council:	Northumberland
Parliamentary constituency:	Hexham

Allenheads is a village in southern Northumberland, in the Pennines to the north of Weardale. Allenheads is eight miles further along the river East Allen from Allendale. It is the southernmost village in the county.

The village is a former lead mining community, and it is widely believed that it would not have existed had it not been for that industry, the fellside being too high and bleak for other types of settlement.

The village has a café, The Hemmel, the Allenheads Contemporary Arts, the Allenheads Inn and the Heritage Centre.

Events

The Highforest Show is held on the first Saturday of September each year. The show is a community event, organised by a local committee, and allows the village to showcase its various talents. Each year there is usually a quoits competition, dog show and children's attractions and stalls.

Economy

In the 21st century, agriculture and tourism provide income. However this community was built on lead mining. It was one of the prime North Pennine mines and when it shut in 1896 this was a devastating blow to the community. The British Steel Corporation reopened the mine as the Beaumont Mine in the 1970s but this was not a success. Fluorspar was then being sought.

Landmarks

William Armstrong, 1st Baron Armstrong of Elswick built a hydraulic engine here, which remains standing in the village. This had been located in the village's sawmill, and is now located in a purpose-made exhibition hall in the village centre. Several hydraulic engines of this make were installed at the mine here. Drawings of another one still exist.

Outside links

("Wikimedia Commons" has material about Allenheads)

• Village webcam
• online William Sopwith on Allenheads