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| Corbridge is a jewel in the crown of Northumberland. Lying just off the
A69, about 18 miles west of Newcastle-upon-Tyne, it grew from the Roman town of CORSTOPITUM,
a supply town for the troops on Hadrian's Wall. From the beginning Corstopitum provided much
of the building stones used in the construction of many of the village buildings, including
the church, Vicar's Pele and nearby castles. |
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| In the thirteenth century Corbridge was second only to Newcastle in wealth
and its citizens were heavily taxed to help pay for Edward 1's Scottish wars and its
mediaeval street plan is much the same today. The Saxon church however has trebled in size
by the addition of aisles, transepts and chancel to the inner Saxon tower and nave whilst
The Vicar's Pele illustrates the fierceness of Border warfare which burnt Corbridge to the
ground several times. |
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| The bridge at Corbridge is the oldest of the mediaeval bridges which became
derelict by the 17th century, and was finally replaced in 1674. |
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| As far back as 1827 Corbridge was a place renowned for its small shops and
several of the decorated fronts still survive. Today Corbridge is still known for its
quaintness and unique boutique shops and is an ideal base to explore the beauty of
Northumberland. |
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| On arrival pick up a copy of the Tynedale Life magazine (free with the Hexham Courant)
from the newsagents - it is jammed packed with local events
from the Hexham Races to the Border Reivers! |
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