Corbridge

Potted history

  Corbridge is not just a pretty face, it is a real place. One of the most attractive towns in the north of England, it bustles with activity. Its name probably derives from the Roman 'coria', which means 'tribal centre'. Lying at the junction of Stanegate and Dere Street, it was a major Roman stronghold. The fort here was established in AD 85 and by the middle of the 2nd century a town, with two walled military compounds, had grown around it. Some spectacular finds have been unearthed, including the Corbridge Lion and the Corbridge Hoard of Armour. The parish church of St Andrew was consecrated in 676 and the first bridge across this broad and fast flowing stretch of the Tyne was built in the 13th century, though the current sevenarched structure dates from 1674. Corbridge, like many towns in the area, suffered during the border warfare in the area from the 14th century. Marauders, known as Reivers, behaved much like a completely unrestrained version of the Sicilian mafia (see Reivers section for gory details). Border warfare, at its height between 1300 and 1550, continued in one form or another for an unconscionable total of 400 years. Having mentioned writers connected with Wylam I feel duty bound to do credit to Corbridge: the town boasts (in addition to South Shields) Catherine Cookson and Ruth Ainsworth, author of the Rufty Tufty Golliwog series.

Places of interest

For background: www.hadrians-wall.org 01434 322002 Tourist Information Centre, Hill St (Easter until end of October). 01434 632815 Corbridge Roman Town (0.5 miles north west of Corbridge). Substantial remains, granaries, a stone lion and the Stanegate Road. All comes to life with an audio tour. Open all year round. Admission: £4.50, concessions £3.60, children £2.10. 01434 632349 www.english-heritage.org.uk/corbridge

Cycle shops

Activcycles, 17 Watling St, Corbridge info@activcycles.net / www.activcycles.net


Accommodation
The Golden Lion, Hill St, NE45 5AA.

Popular and well run town centre pub/hotel built from stones plundered from Hadrian's Wall. Grade II listed and former home of Lord Derwent-Wates, who was executed following the second Jacobite rebellion. Leaded windows, nice bathrooms, great charm. And to cap it all, a beer garden. Secure lock-up. Separate side entrance for residents

Run by: Del & Linda Peel

 

Tel: 01434 632216
Email: lindelpeel66@btinternet.com

 

Rooms : 5D, 1T/Tpl B&B: from £35-£50 (single occ)
Evening meal : £6.25-£9.95. Bar snacks and takeaway service.
Packed lunch : £5
 


Fellcroft B&B, Station Rd, Corbridge, NE45 5AY.

Well-appointed, stone-built Edwardian house. All rooms with private facilities and colour TVs. Quiet road in country setting. Excellent choice of eating places nearby. A large comfortable guest sitting room on the ground floor with tourist information, books, DVDs and a TV. Norwegian, Swedish, Danish, French and a smattering of German spoken here. Also please note that we accept dogs on the premises. Secure cycle lock-up. Drying facilities.

Run by: Tove Brown

 

Tel: 01434 632384
Web: www.fellcroftbandb.com
Email: tove.brown@ukonline.co.uk

Rooms : 1 T, 1D/F.
B&B : £30-£35
Evening meal : no - plenty of restaurants in town.
Pk lunch : Yes.
 


Wheatsheaf Hotel, St Helen's St, NE45 5HE

 

Tel: : 01434 632020

 


Priorfield B&B, Hippingstones Lane, NE45 5JP

 

Tel: 01434 633179

 


The Hayes, Newcastle Rd, NE45 5LP.

 

Tel:  01434 632010

 


Angel Inn, Main St, NE45 5LA

 

Tel: 01434 632119

 


Where to eat

The Corbridge Larder - Deli and coffee shop. Cavernous and copious. 01434 632948. www.corbridgelarder.co.uk Watling Coffee House, 11 Watling St, NE45 5AG. Smart but slightly offbeat hangout for those requiring anything from a coffee to a full meal. 01434 634820. Tea & Tipple, Market Place, NE45 5AW. Opposite the ancient church and popular with shoppers. 01434 632886.



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