WHAT'S ON - Historically
Programme of Talks for 2022
All talks are on the first Thursday of the month and start at 7pm.
An Introduction to Hexham Priory - Hugh Dixon, Chairman, Hexham Abbey Conservation Advisory Group
Hexham Abbey is more often seen than looked at. With a history and substantial remains stretching over 1,350 years there is much to discover. Some of the Abbey’s treasures, such as the 8th century Frith stool and the Anglo-Saxon chalice, may be well-known but research into the collection in recent years has had some surprising results.
Hugh Dixon’s outline history of the Abbey makes special reference to items in the collection as well as current developments.
Hugh Dixon’s outline history of the Abbey makes special reference to items in the collection as well as current developments.
AGM and the Story of Rampgill Ore-Dressing Mill - Alastair Robertson, AMHS
Rampgill Ore-Dressing Mill, completed in 1910, was a landmark in the village of Nenthead for over 100 years. The tower section was demolished in the 1960s, while the lower section lived on for almost 60 years as Wright Brothers’ bus garage until its demolition in 2018.
This alien-looking building had several owners, ranging from an international company based in Belgium, to a consortium of local miners, and all the time it was the backbone of the economy of Nenthead.
This alien-looking building had several owners, ranging from an international company based in Belgium, to a consortium of local miners, and all the time it was the backbone of the economy of Nenthead.
Shap Abbey - Jean Jackson, Shap LHS
Secluded and tucked away out of sight from the world, this romantic ruin occupies the full width of the narrow valley of the River Lowther. It was an abbey built by the Praemonstratensian canons around the end of the 12th century. Among its main benefactors was a branch of the de Veteripont family, Lords of the Manor of Alston Moor.
The Industrial Archaeology of Tynehead - Graham Brooks, Chair, Cumbria Local History Federation
The Tynehead area is remote even by Alston Moor standards. Not being part of the Manor of Alston Moor its lead mining history is not linked either to the Greenwich Hospital or the London Lead Company. However, the remains of the industry here are significant and they have an interesting story. There are other historic features at Tynehead and these will also be looked at.
Treasures of Penrith Museum - Sydney Chapman, Curator
Penrith and Eden Museum aims to collect, preserve and display material reflecting the history and culture of Penrith and Eden. The museum is owned and managed by Eden District Council. It is housed in a former school building known as Robinson’s School, which first opened in 1670.
Among the many exhibits are, a fossil dinosaur footprint from the Permian sandstone of the Eden Valley, rare minerals (and a miner’s spar box), rock art from the Neolithic period, a Roman coin hoard, an elephant’s tooth, excavated from the moat of Penrith Castle, one of the castles owned by Richard III, mementoes of Percy Toplis, ‘the Monocled Mutineer’, shot dead in 1920, and works of fine art by nationally-recognised local artists.
Among the many exhibits are, a fossil dinosaur footprint from the Permian sandstone of the Eden Valley, rare minerals (and a miner’s spar box), rock art from the Neolithic period, a Roman coin hoard, an elephant’s tooth, excavated from the moat of Penrith Castle, one of the castles owned by Richard III, mementoes of Percy Toplis, ‘the Monocled Mutineer’, shot dead in 1920, and works of fine art by nationally-recognised local artists.
Summer Break
The Society takes a break in August and resumes again in September
Enemy Aliens on Alston Moor - Simon Danby and Alastair Robertson, AMHS
Two world wars affected life on Alston Moor. Before the First World War the village of Nenthead was home to an international community, mainly British, Belgian, German and Italian, people who lived and worked side by side, whose children attended the village school. During the Second World War a prisoner of war camp housing Italians provided interest for people of the town.
Canals of Alston Moor - Pete Jackson, Chair, Nenthead Mines Conservation Society
Canals on Alston Moor? Well, canals under Alston Moor to be precise. During the 18th century canals of all descriptions were at the forefront of the Industrial Revolution, and Alston Moor was not to be left out. John Smeaton was the first man in the world to call himself a civil engineer; it was his suggestion to drive a canal between Alston and Nenthead.
What happened to that and others we’ll hear about tonight.
What happened to that and others we’ll hear about tonight.
Vindolanda Roman Fort – Marta Alberti or Penny Trichler, archaeologists
The Roman fort of Vindolanda is probably the most dynamic place to visit along the line of Hadrian’s Wall. Every year a dig takes place during a season lasting several months, with volunteers from around the world on their hands and knees unearthing objects unseen for 2,000 years.
Tonight we’ll hear about the latest discoveries from one of the archaeologists.
Tonight we’ll hear about the latest discoveries from one of the archaeologists.
Sorry this talk is cancelled
The Christmas ‘Do’ – AMHS Committee Members and YOU!
This is the night when Society members are invited to bring forward any subject that they have been researching – whether it’s a family tree or something interesting found in the back garden, do tell us.
And there’s usually a quiz and old photos with reminiscences of the Wonderful World of Alston Moor.
And there’s usually a quiz and old photos with reminiscences of the Wonderful World of Alston Moor.
Alston Moor Historical Society