Northumberland

Map of the Northumberland Area

Map of Northumberland

County Council

Northumberland

The ceremonial county of Northumberland is located in the North East of England. The northern unitary district is bordered by Cumbria, Tyne and Wear, and County Durham. Scotland sits on the northern border of Northumberland, while the North Sea is to the west. Traditionally, Northumberland included the city of Newcastle upon Tyne and North Tyneside. Both areas became part of Tyne and Wear in 1973. Other areas that have also been traditionally included within Northumberland include Islandshire, Bedlingtonshire and Norhamshire, which were transferred to County Durham in 1844. Notable people born in Northumberland include physician Thomas Addison, footballers Bobby and Jack Charlton, artist Thomas Bewick, astronomer George Airy, and former prime minister Charles Grey.

With an area of 5,013 square kilometres or 1,936 square miles, Northumberland is the sixth largest in England. The county is home to approximately 316,300 people, according to the 2011 Census. Northumberland has a population density of just 63 people per square kilometres or 160 people per square mile, making it one of most rural and least densely populated counties in England. Some of England's most remote communities are found within the stunning North Pennines and Cheviot Hills of Northumberland. Major towns include Alnwick, Amble, Ashington, Bedlington, Berwick-upon-Tweed, Blyth, Cramlington, Haltwhistle, Hexham, Morpeth and Prudhoe.

Northumberland was the centre of the former Anglian kingdom of Bernicia, which united with Deira to form the kingdom of Northumbria in the 7th century. Northumberland's location has made it a battlefield for wars between England and Scotland, as evident by the number of castles in the county. The county is home Newcastle, Alnwick, Bamburgh, Dunstanburgh and Warkworth castles. Northumberland also played a major role during the Industrial Revolution thanks to the presence of several coal mines and collieries. Shipbuilding and armament manufacture were also important industries until the late 20th century. An area of dazzling natural beauty, the county's scenic landscape supports a strong tourism sector. The sector is the county's largest economic driver, although companies such as GE and Coca Cola also operate major facilities in the county. Biotech and pharmaceutical companies are also significatn employers in Northumberland.

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Tourism - Official Site

Museum