Gray's Warkworth

A Morpeth love story of long ago

SHE was the granddaughter of Gospatric, the former Earl of Northumberland, who had been sent into exile by William the Conqueror.

He was the son of a man who had battled in the Norman Conquest of England.

Their parents had negotiated with the King. The two young people were to marry. Juliana would leave her family at their place of exile in Scotland and join the conquering de Merlays at their castle on a green hill at Morpeth in Northumberland.

But Juliana was no hopeless heiress. She brought to Ranulph a dowry of lands which enlarged the Barony of Morpeth, and which would establish her children’s future.

The stories and the characters which led to this marriage are revealed in a new book by author Bridget Gubbins: the Earl Gospatric who raged against the Conqueror; the dark and dangerous Earl of Northumberland, Robert de Mowbray, and his unfortunate wife the Lady Matilda; the warrior Bishop Geoffrey and his servant William de Merlay, who became the first Baron of Morpeth.

The formerly unknown place of origin of the de Merlay family is revealed for the first time by the writer who went to Normandy on her bicycle.

This is Morpeth’s earliest history, and at the book launch at the Town Hall there was music, mime - and a French connection.

Further Tales from Northumberland with Robson Green: episode 5

Series 3, Episode 5 of 8 (28 Mar. 2016): A journey on St Oswald's Way
Robson follows the long-distance trail inspired by one of the great kings of Anglo-Saxon England. He discovers the secret treasures at Bamburgh Castle, joins the Rothbury Highland Pipe Band for a parade through the town, celebrating Diamond Jubilee. Robson tries his hand at auctioneering at one of England’s oldest cattle marts and his journey ends at St Oswald’s Church in Heavenfield.

Le Tour de Northumberland

The greatest racers on two wheels in North East England...

2014 Ontario Parasport Games Site Review Committee Visits Northumberland

The site review team from Ontario Sports Alliance braved the elements on February 8th to visit Northumberland County to assess the County's sport facilities for hosting the 2014 Ontario Parasport games.

The day started at the Best Western Cobourg Inn and Convention Centre with a reception which included members of the media, business, volunteer based and public organizations.

The committee's tour included the Best Western, Port Hope Comfort Inn, Port Hope Town Park Recreation Centre, Cobourg Community Centre, Saint Mary's Secondary School and East Northumberland Secondary School.

The Ontario Parasport games represent the best in para-athletic talent competing at the provincial level. The games are held once a year commencing 2013 and involve over 480 participants, along with coaches and supporters. This is a wonderful opportunity for our county to host this high profile event, says Paul Macklin Chair of the Games Organizing Committee. Over the years, Northumberland has hosted hundreds of sporting events; the Ontario Parasport games are a great opportunity to share our community... and attract visitors to Northumberland County

As part of the bid submission the Northumberland Games Organizing Committee has released Raising the Bar the bid video showing off the sights and sounds of Northumberland's bid for the games.

To view the bid video tour and the interactive map, please go to investnorthumberland.ca , and hover over the I want to... on the left side and click 2014 Parasport Summer Games.

The City of Kingston has been selected as the official host for the 2013 Ontario ParaSport Games, taking place May 31 to June 2, 2013.

Windsor/Essex, Sault Ste. Marie, and Central Huron are also in the running for the 2014 games. A decision is expected in March.

Northumberland Sport Unlimited Success

Northumberland Sport Sport Unlimited footage and interviews 2010. Cricket session at County Durham Cricket Club and Golf at Slaley Hall, Durham.

More Tales from Northumberland with Robson Green trailer1

snow In Amble 2018