Ponteland

The 'Pont Island'
Ponteland (pronounced "Pon-tee-land") is a large historic village situated in the southern part of the stunning Northumberland countryside.

With the river Pont winding its way through the village, it is thought that Ponteland took its name from "Pont island" as the river flooded so often it left the village as an island. A slightly different story is that the Romans claimed to have named Ponteland, meaning Bridge over the Swamp. Hadrian's Wall is only a few miles to the south and there is Roman evidence, such as forts, in the area.

Pele Towers
The Anglican church of St. Mary the Virgin at Ponteland appears to have been consecrated around the year 1150. There are some remaining sections that date from the Norman period, including part of the tower. It was restored to a large degree in the thirteenth century, again in the fifteenth century, and several times since. It is thought to have stained glass dating from the fourteenth century, and a pre-Reformation bell. The register dates from 1602.

It is popularly held that the opposing forces of England and Scotland negotiated a peace here in 1244. The Blackbird Inn, once the manor house of the Errington family, includes part of a pele tower where the truce took place. The vaulted chamber attached to this building formed part of the ancient castle of Ponteland. Portions of the castle are still in relatively good condition. It was said to have been destroyed by Douglas during the border wars in the late 1300s; Douglas was pursued by Henry 'Hotspur' Percy which culminated in the battle of Otterburn.

The population in the town has increased dramatically.The coming of the railway and improved roads in the twentieth century was the initiator of this rise as it became possible to work in the city of Newcastle but live outside it, in more pleasant surroundings. Industry and travel were offshoots of this improvement in transport. More recently, the building of the airport a short distance away and its subsequent expansion has made Ponteland, with its many amenities, has brought more people to the town.

Places of interest

Ponteland Pele Tower
This 14th century fortified tower is a remnant of the Border Reiver period. It lies adjacent to the superb Blackbird Inn, a restored 17th century former manor house.

Serviced Accommodation

Horton Grange Hotel
Berwick Hill, Ponteland
Tel: 01661 860 686

East Farm
Prestwick, Ponteland
Tel: 01661 872 480

The Diamond Inn
Tel: 01661 872 898

Youth Hostels

Newcastle-upon-Tyne Youth Hostel
107 Jesmond Road, Newcastle-upon-Tyne NE2 1NJ
Tel: 0870 770 5972