Northumberland is a ceremonial county in North East England, known for its stunning landscapes, rich history, and proximity to the Scottish border. Scotland Scottish Borders) is north of the county and the North Sea is to the east. Tyne and Wear and County Durham border Northumberland to the south and with Cumbria to the west.[1]
The population of Northumberland is 324,362 according to mid-2022 population figures published by the ONS. Northumberland's population growth rate between mid-2021 and mid-2022 was 0.9% per year. Northumberland covers an area of 5,014 square kilometer (1,936 square miles) and has a population density of 65 people per square kilometer (km2), based on the latest population estimates taken in mid-2022.[2] The largest town is Blyth.
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Northumberland: landscape, industry, agriculture, and attractionsNorthumberland: landscape, industry, agriculture, and attractions
Northumberland boasts a diverse and stunning landscape, ranging from the rugged beauty of its western moors to the dramatic coastline and historic castles.[3]
Northumberland's traditional industries like coal mining and shipbuilding have declined and the county has successfully diversified its economy. Current industries include renewable energy with offshore wind farms, pharmaceutical manufacturing, biotechnology and medical research, automotive and aerospace manufacturing, and tourism.[4]
Northumberland County is renowned for its high-quality farmland. Apple orchards cover 4.8% of the province's agricultural land, while strawberry fields make up 1.2%. Of the 840 farms in Northumberland, 195 are dedicated to beef cattle ranching and farming. This sector has seen significant growth, increasing by 30% since 2016. It now accounts for 2.4% of the province's total agricultural production. Dairy farming is a major revenue driver, generating $34.8 million in 2021. Corn and soybean production follow closely behind, contributing $33.2 million and $24.4 million, respectively.[5]
The Northumberland National Park has the rich heritage of Hadrian’s Wall, the breathtaking beauty of the remote uplands of the Cheviot Hills and the fine historical landscapes of the border valleys to the Scottish Border.[3] Northumberland’s most notable landmarks are Alnwick Castle, Bamburgh Castle, Hexham Abbey and Hadrian's Wall. Northumberland is characterised by its spectacular landscape.
Northumberland historyNorthumberland history
Northumberland's history stretches back to prehistoric times. Evidence of Neolithic and Bronze Age settlements, including stone circles and burial mounds, can be found across the county. These early inhabitants were likely hunter-gatherers who later developed farming and herding practices.[6]
The Roman presence in Northumberland dates back to around 122 AD. General Gnaeus Julius Agricola, Governor of Roman Britain, expanded the Roman frontier northward, reaching as far as the Firth of Forth and the Firth of Clyde in modern-day Scotland. This advance brought much of Northumberland under Roman control. To solidify their hold on this northern territory, the Emperor Hadrian ordered the construction of a defensive wall in 122 AD. This massive fortification, known as Hadrian's Wall, stretched from the River Tyne to the Solway Firth, roughly following the modern-day border between England and Scotland. This wall marked the northern limit of the Roman Empire for a significant period.[7]
After the Romans withdrew in the 5th century, Anglo-Saxon tribes, primarily the Angles, began to settle in the area. Their arrival marked the end of Roman rule and the beginning of a new era in British history. They established the powerful kingdom of Northumbria, which at its height extended from the Humber to the Firth of Forth. Northumberland, as part of the kingdom of Northumbria, experienced significant cultural and political changes during this period.
The 16th century was a time of religious and political upheaval in England, and Northumberland was no exception.[8] The Reformation led to the dissolution of monasteries and the establishment of the Church of England.[9] The county also played a role in the turbulent reign of Mary, Queen of Scots, who was imprisoned at various locations in Northumberland.
The 17th century saw further religious and political turmoil, including the English Civil War.[10] Northumberland was divided in its allegiance, with some supporting the Royalists and others the Parliamentarians.[11] The county also experienced the impact of the Union of the Crowns in 1603, which brought peace to the borderlands.[12]
The 18th century brought significant economic and social changes to Northumberland. The Industrial Revolution led to the development of coal mining and other industries, transforming the county's landscape and society. The construction of roads and bridges improved transportation and facilitated trade.[13]
The 19th century was a period of rapid industrialization and social reform in Northumberland.[14] Coal mining continued to be a major industry, and the county's population grew rapidly. The railway age arrived, connecting Northumberland to other parts of the country. However, the industrialization also brought challenges, such as pollution and poverty.[15]
The 20th century witnessed significant changes in Northumberland, including the decline of traditional industries like coal mining and shipbuilding. The county adapted to these changes by developing new industries, such as tourism and renewable energy. The landscape of Northumberland has been shaped by conservation efforts and the designation of national parks and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Today, Northumberland is a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors from all over the world.[16]
Northumberland parishes and unparished areasNorthumberland parishes and unparished areas
Northumberland's local government is structured as a unitary authority. This means that since 2009, Northumberland has had a single-tier local government system under Northumberland County Council.[17] According to the information available, there are 166 civil parishes in the county of Northumberland, England. The entire county of Northumberland is parished, meaning every area falls under a designated parish.[18]
For certain purposes, such as wildlife recording and many sports organizations, the traditional county boundaries are still used. This means that Newcastle-upon-Tyne and North Tyneside are often considered part of Northumberland. In fact, the current county of Tyne and Wear doesn't accurately reflect the local people's sense of identity. For example, people in Newcastle often feel more connected to Northumberland than to Sunderland, another city that was included in Tyne and Wear in 1974.[1]
Northumberland geographyNorthumberland geography
Northumberland is characterized by its dramatic coastline, rolling hills. It's a sparsely populated county with a strong sense of community. Northumberland also boasts a diverse geography:
- Coastal Plains: The eastern part of the county features flat coastal plains, perfect for agriculture.
- Rugged Uplands: In the west, the landscape transforms into the rugged Cheviot Hills and moors, offering dramatic scenery.
- Industrial Areas: The southern portion, particularly along the River Tyne valley, has a history of industrial activity.
Some valuable sources for geographical as well as family history are the Ordnance Survey Name Books. These are records of the fieldwork done by Royal Engineers surveyors and civilian assistants as a basis for First Edition Six Inch maps and subsequent maps.[19]
Researching family history in NorthumberlandResearching family history in Northumberland
Northumberland Archives is the archive service for Northumberland – England’s most northerly county. We collect records relating to the history of Northumberland, its communities and people and have dedicated page to Family History.[20] Northumberland & Durham Family History Society has an extensive collection of family history records and eleven branches.[21] The Surtees Society is dedicated to the publication of manuscripts illustrative of the history of the ancient kingdom of Northumbria, principally of County Durham and Northumberland in North East England.[22] The North-Eastern Catholic History Society was founded in July 1974 to promote research into the history of the Roman Catholic Church in the north eastern counties of England – a geographical term which is taken to cover the eastern half of the country between the rivers Tweed and Humber.[23]
Ethnicities in NorthumberlandEthnicities in Northumberland
The demographic distribution of the Northumberland population is as follows:[2]
According to the latest 2021 census, the population in Northumberland is predominantly white (97.6%), with non-white minorities representing the remaining 2.4% of the population. Asian people were the largest minority group in Northumberland accounting for 1.1% of the population. 598 or 0% of the Northumberland population are black according to the latest 2021 census. In England more broadly the portion of the population that is white is 81%. 10% are Asian and 4% are Black.
Population by race in Northumberland, 2021 census
- White - 313,027 people or 97.6%
- Asian - 3,374 people or 1.1%
- Mixed - 2,557 people or 0.8%
- Other - 1,010 people or 0.3%
- Black - 598 people or 0.2%
Surnames in NorthumberlandSurnames in Northumberland
Explore more about English CountiesExplore more about English Counties
MyHeritage has 351 collections that contain millions of English records that cover a huge variety of genealogical historical events that can help you find your ancestors. The MyHeritage Knowledge Base contains helpful information about genealogical research. The Legacy Family Tree Webinars website contains more than 2000 valuable genealogical webinars including over 50 webinars about English research.
See alsoSee also
- Administrative structure of England
- English genealogy
- English immigration
- English emigration
- English archives
- England historical records
- Vital records in England
- Birth records in England
- Death records in England
- Marriage records in England
- Census records in England
- Civil registrations in England
- Church records in England
- Newspaper records in England
- English military records
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 Northumberland
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 Northumberland Demographics | Age, Ethnicity, Religion, Wellbeing
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 Northumberland National Park • Now & Forever
- ↑ Eurostat
- ↑ Agriculture
- ↑ History of Northumberland
- ↑ History of Hadrian's Wall
- ↑ Reformation | Definition, History, Summary, Reformers, & Facts | Britannica
- ↑ What Became of the Monks and Nuns at the Dissolution?
- ↑ British Civil Wars | National Army Museum
- ↑ The English Civil Wars: History and Stories
- ↑ Northumberland in the British Civil Wars - The History of Parliament
- ↑ United Kingdom - Industrialization, Reforms, Monarchy | Britannica
- ↑ Industrial Revolution and Technology
- ↑ A Brief History of Northumberland
- ↑ Northumberland | England, Map, Castle, Landmarks, & History | Britannica
- ↑ Northumberland County Council: delivering the ‘Inclusive Economy’ agenda | Local Government Association
- ↑ About Northumberland
- ↑ Name books – Northumberland Name Books
- ↑ Northumberland Archives – Historical Information for Northumberland
- ↑ About the branches | NDFHS
- ↑ The Surtees Society
- ↑ North East Catholic History Society (NECHS)[1]
- ↑ Most Common Surnames in Northumberland, With Meanings