An introduction to Birtley

The feeling of complete rural tranquillity awaits those who venture into the 12 square miles of the parish. Birtley itself lies 12.5 miles north west of Hexham and Newcastle is 34 miles away via a cross country route. The name Birtley probably has its derivation in the Old English “beorht+leah” meaning “bright clearing” or even “the meadow of Brid or the birds”, the 13th century chronicles note the name as “Birtleye”.

Birtley, no more than a traditional Northumbrian hamlet, has a church (C of E), a part-time post office and a public house serving good food and beverages and the mobile library visits the area fortnightly. Birtley has bus routes 782, 784, 938 & 939 connecting to Hexham and Wark.

The properties in and around Birtley are built of local honey coloured stone and some farm buildings have been converted to habitable dwellings. The area within the parish offers pleasant walks and the remains of settlements, castles and fortified farmhouses (Bastles) confirm the areas turbulent past.

Selected Links

• The Hexham Courant [http://www.hexham-courant.co.uk/]
• Northumberland County Council [http://www.northumberland.gov.uk]
• Northumberland Tourist Board [http://www.ntb.org.uk]

Local Information Categories for Birtley

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