Ogle Northumberland Reunion July 2005 Galleries

Durham - Cathedral and Castle : Son Nathan and I had a marvelous day in Durham, just 25 minutes from Newcastle on the train through beautiful countryside. It had long been my desire to visit this almost pure Norman great church dedicated to St. Cuthbert, the patron saint of Northumberland, and it was as marvelous architecturally as I had hoped. The castle was also wonderful with a tour led by a young former student with a neat sense of humor. The town of Durham is small and lovely, and dominated by the Cathedral and Castle standing high above the River Wear. Note the numerous interior shots in the cathedral - these are not our photos but were scanned from the guidebook. I thought everyone should see the amazing architecture.

Durham - Cathedral and Castle

Son Nathan and I had a marvelous day in Durham, just 25 minutes from N ...

Updated: Sep 26, 2005 10:28am PST

Wallsend - the Roman name was Segedunum : On the day the Ogle reunion started , we spent the morning at Wallsend, a short subway ride from center city, the beginning of Hadrian's Wall, located on the river Tyne, next to the Swann-Hunter shipyards. The remains of the Roman fort are mainly in the ground, but a bath house has been reconstructed as well as a short bit of wall of the fort.

Wallsend - the Roman name was Segedunum

On the day the Ogle reunion started , we spent the morning at Wallsend ...

Updated: Aug 17, 2005 8:11pm PST

Newcastle, St. Nicholas' and the Castle : We spent our last afternoon in Newcastle viewing and photographing the sights and learned that Newcastle is not only a historic city but a beautiful one, and very clean and well maintained.

Newcastle, St. Nicholas' and the Castle

We spent our last afternoon in Newcastle viewing and photographing the ...

Updated: Aug 31, 2005 1:33pm PST

Kirkley Hall :

Kirkley Hall

Updated: Aug 28, 2005 5:37pm PST

Hexham Priory : The 'Priory and'Parish Church of St. Andrew About 674 Queen Etheldreda gave lands around Hexham to Wilfrid, Bishop of York, to found a monastery and make Hexham a centre of Christianity. After attacks By the Vikings in the ninth century and devastation under William the Conqueror in the eleventh century, the Archbishop of York refounded the church of Hexham in 1113 as a priory of Canons 'Regular of St Augustine. The Priory was closed in 1537 By Henry VIII under the Dissolution of the Monasteries and lost all its possessions and endowments. The Priory Church, consisting of chancel and transepts, continued in use because it was the parish church. Services were held in the choir; the transepts were only used for baptisms and burials. A few Buildings, a hall, some stone houses and dwellings survived but the only income appears to have been £4 paid to the curate. The twentieth century has seen the rebuilding of the nave in 1907-08, on the thirteenth-century layout, with a single aisle on the north side. The vestibule to the chapter house was re-roofed in 1955 and used as a chapel, but in 1984 an upper storey, for use as a choir song school, was added (where the canons' dormitory used to be) and the chapel was made into the Hexham Abbey Shop.

Hexham Priory

The 'Priory and'Parish Church of St. Andrew About 674 Queen Etheldred ...

Updated: Aug 25, 2005 9:42pm PST

Whalton and Bothal :

Whalton and Bothal

Updated: Aug 25, 2005 9:58pm PST

Alnwick Castle : Yvo de Vescy, one of William the Conqueror's Norman barons, erected the earliest part of the present castle in 1096. By the mid-12th century it had taken on substantially the same form as it has today: a circular keep, its twin towers surrounding a courtyard, with two baileys beyond. In 1297 the castle was left in trust by William de Vescy to the Bishop of Durham, but only 12 years later it was sold to a Yorkshire landowner, Henry de Percy, an early member of what became one of the most powerful families in England. No other Percy attained the fame of Hotspur although the 5th Earl was known as 'the Magnificent'. The 6th Earl was less glamorously called 'the Unthrifty'. The 7th Earl was beheaded for attempting to place Mary Queen of Scots on the throne, while the 9th Earl's passion for astronomy and chemistry earned him the title 'the Wizard'. The earldom became extinct when the 11th Earl died without a male heir in 1670. In 1750 Sir Hugh Smithson succeeded to the Alnwick estates and was created Duke of Northumberland some years later for his political services to King George III. The present duke, Ralph, is the 12th Duke of Northumberland. HOTSPUR The most famous Percy of them all was Henry de Percy's great-great-grandson Henry, who in 1378, at the tender age of 12, distinguished himself at the siege of Berwick and earned his nickname 'Hotspur'. Ten years later he led English forces in the Battle of Otterburn and in 1399 revolted against Richard II, deposing him in favour of Henry IV. The famous 'Rising of the Percies', immortalized in Shakespeare's Henry IV, ended with Hotspur's death in 1403 at the Battle of Shrewsbury.

Alnwick Castle

Yvo de Vescy, one of William the Conqueror's Norman barons, erected th ...

Updated: Aug 31, 2005 11:01am PST

Hadrian's Wall - Chesters Roman Fort : Roman name: Cilurnum Set among the ancient wooded valleys of Northumberland, the fort at Chesters is the best preserved example of a Roman cavalry fort in Britain. It was one of a series of permanent troop bases added to Hadrian's Wall soon after the Wall was first built in AD122-23. It seems to have been occupied for nearly three centuries, with several changes of garrison during that time. The substantial visible remains include the famous bath house, outside the fort itself, where the underground heating system can be clearly seen. Beyond the river are the remains of the Roman bridge which carried Hadrian's Wall across the Tyne.A collection of Roman sculpture, gathered from many different sites along the Wall, is on display in the museum.

Hadrian's Wall - Chesters Roman Fort

Roman name: Cilurnum Set among the ancient wooded valleys of Northu ...

Updated: Aug 26, 2005 7:14am PST

Hadrian's Wall - Housesteads Roman Fort : Housesteads, Roman Vercovicium or Borcovicus, is the most complete example of a Roman fort to be seen in Britain. The five-acre fort occupied a commanding position on the exposed Whin Sill escarpment and, looking north, it is easy to imagine oneself on the limits of an empire which once stretched from Northumberland to the Arabian deserts. It was one of the twelve permanent forts built by the Emperor Hadrian in about AD 124 for the garrison of his complex new frontier now known as Hadrian's Wall. The visible remains include four imposing gates with curtain walls and interval towers, and examples of all the main buildings found in an auxiliary fort: headquarters, commandant's house, barracks, granaries, hospital and latrines. Part of the civilian settlement can be seen outside the south gate, while in the valley to the east is the Knag Burn gate and a fine length of Hadrian's Wall.

Hadrian's Wall - Housesteads Roman Fort

Housesteads, Roman Vercovicium or Borcovicus, is the most complete exa ...

Updated: Aug 26, 2005 8:08am PST

Bamburgh Castle : Ida, Anglo-Saxon founder of the dynasty of Northumbrian kings, invaded the Bamburgh shore in AD 547. Here he created the settlement which became the capital of a kingdom stretching from the Humber to the Forth. At its heart was a wooden fortress built on the great Whin Sill, an impressive outcrop of volcanic basalt. Later, Ida's grandson, Ethelfrith, gave both castle and capital to his wife Bebba. In later years 'Bebbanburgh' became Bamburgh. Oswald (king 633-42), having fought to re-unite his kingdom, wished to convert his subjects to Christianity. From lona came the monk Aidan, who set up a monastery on nearby Lindisfarne. From these beginnings, Northumbria became one of the great centres of learning and art, a golden age cut short in AD 993 by marauding Vikings, who left Bamburgh Castle in ruins. In the 11th century it was rebuilt with stone. By 1272 it was the imposing structure that we see today. During the early medieval border wars between England and Scotland the keep was often used to house hostages and prisoners, most notably David Bruce, the Scots king, wounded by an arrow at Neville's Cross (1346). In 1356 Bamburgh Castle witnessed an event of historic importance when Edward Baliol there surrendered the Scottish crown to Edward III. During the Wars of the Roses, the castle was seen as a valued prize. In 1464 Yorkists used Edward IV's new cannons to force the Lancastrians to surrender, reputedly making Bamburgh the first castle in England to be taken by cannon fire. For centuries the castle lay in ruins until it was bought in 1894 by William, 1 st Lord Armstrong, an inventor and industrialist, who made his fortune from hydraulic machinery and military ordnance. His programme of reconstruction and modernisation was complete in 1903. Since then it has been the family home of the Armstrongs.

Bamburgh Castle

Ida, Anglo-Saxon founder of the dynasty of Northumbrian kings, invaded ...

Updated: Aug 31, 2005 11:09am PST

Eglingham - the Hall and St. Maurice's Church : EGLINGHAM HALL The pretty village of Eglingham sits in isolation about ten miles off the Great North Road, twenty or so miles from Alnwick, in hill-farming Northumbrian countryside. The Hall is located on the edge of the village, hidden from the road by a stand of mature trees - mostly oak and ash, with a yew here and there to add to its density. The main drive to the house sweeps around through these trees, which were evidently planted as a shelter from the cold north, for the southern aspect of die house looks out on open spacious lawns, undulating pastures and distant hills. Immediately in front of the house and interrupting the view to the southeast is one of the largest and most glorious wych elms 1 have ever seen. Part of the house and farm has been on this site at least since the sixteenth century, and mere is documentary evidence that Oliver Cromwell stayed here during the Civil War. In 1704 the house was considerably enlarged using a local stone which has mellowed with time to a warm grey colour. Although an impressive, sizeable country house, Eglingham Hall is the hub of a working farm of about 200 acres of grazing for sheep and cattle. The present owner, April Potts, has been here for nearly twenty years, having taken over the family farm from her mother, Juliet Bewicke; the Bewicke family has owned this little piece of the North of England since the turn of the century, and it was her grandmother who laid the foundations for the gardens as they are today.

Eglingham - the Hall and St. Maurice's Church

EGLINGHAM HALL The pretty village of Eglingham sits in isolation abou ...

Updated: Aug 13, 2005 9:37pm PST

St. Mary's in Ponteland and Ogle Castle :

St. Mary's in Ponteland and Ogle Castle

Updated: Aug 29, 2005 2:56pm PST

Blagdon Hall and Gardens : Blagdon House was built on the site of a much older manor between 1735 and 1752, for Matthew White, a Newcastle merchant and Lord Mayor, and his son, Sir Matthew White, Baronet. The architect is unknown. The house has been altered at various dates. In 1782, the original pilasters and cornices were removed from the east front; in 1826 a large portico was built at the front door, designed by Ignatius Bonomi; and at about the same time the wing to the north by John Dobson. In 1945, the portico and various Victorian additions were removed following a fire. The present owners are Lord and Lady Ridley, descendants of the original owner, and are arborists, having planted numerous trees of all kinds from many countries on the property. This planting program continues through the interest of Lord Ridley and also his son.

Blagdon Hall and Gardens

Blagdon House was built on the site of a much older manor between 1735 ...

Updated: Aug 24, 2005 9:20pm PST

Belsay Castle - the Tournament : Arriving at Belsay Castle on Saturday afternoon, we were amazed to discover a medieval tournament reenactment was going on. The field in front of the ancient castle was marked off for the jousting, and it was surrounded by enthusiastic viewers, not least the young children often wearing or carrying some sort of knightly paraphernalia. Following the demonstrations of falconry by authentically costumed gentlemen, ladies and varlets, we were entertained by a fool, and then came four knights on horseback with their lances. And later we even saw and photographed two swordsmen. The best part? The knight winning the tournement rode the best horse, a noble grey destrier, and he carried the Ogle arms - three crescents on a red field. Who said it wasn't Ogle time!

Belsay Castle - the Tournament

Arriving at Belsay Castle on Saturday afternoon, we were amazed to dis ...

Updated: Aug 15, 2005 10:25pm PST

Belsay Castle - the Pele Tower : Belsay Castle is a 14th century stone three storey tower house, founded by John de Strivelyn. A two storey Tudor mansion was added to the west side and later the mansion was given a Jacobean west wing, now ruinous. The impressive unaltered tower, is crowned by four round corner bartizan's, standing above the machicolated parapet. In the vaulted basement is a kitchen with a well and above is a hall and a solar, both with fireplaces and tall traceried windows with seats. There is a north wing of four storeys and in the southwest corner, a spiral stair and six small rooms. The castle's three-storey keep was constructed of a rich yellow sandstone by John de Middleton during the reign of Edward III. Attached to the tower is a 17th-century wing with a stone inscription over the porch stating that 'Thomas Middleton and Dorothy his wife builded this house, anno 1614'.

Belsay Castle - the Pele Tower

Belsay Castle is a 14th century stone three storey tower house, founde ...

Updated: Aug 15, 2005 10:52pm PST

Belsay Castle - Quarry Gardens and the Hall and Stables - JOS Photos : Belsay quarry gardens are located in the place where all the stone for the castle and the later Hall was mined. It is a very natural place with high pillars of stone and crossed by a bridge. It appears wild, but in fact it is carefull maintained as a "wild" garden. After leaving the quarry garden, one goes through heat and heather and evergreen gardens facing the Hall. The Hall was built in Greek style by Charles Middlet -Monck in the early 19th century, and the old castle was then allowed to fall into disrepair.In recent years English Heritage has improved the condition of the ancient castle, a difference being noted since 1995

Belsay Castle - Quarry Gardens and the Hall and Stables - JOS Photos

Belsay quarry gardens are located in the place where all the stone for ...

Updated: Aug 16, 2005 4:40pm PST

Morpeth Castle and Carlisle Park : Surprisingly, although there have been two castles in Morpeth, the part they played in Northumberland's history is relatively unimportant. The first was at Haw Hill, which now forms part of Carlisle Park. It was a 'motte and bailey' founded by William de Merlay, to whom William the Conqueror granted the barony of Morpeth. The second castle, nearby, was founded by a descendant, Roger de Merlay, between 1215 and 1239. During the Civil War of 1642-45, it housed a garrison of 500 Scots, fighting on behalf of Parliament. Besieged by King Charles Is men in 1644, they held out for three weeks before surrendering. By 1814 nothing remained of the castle but part of the gatehouse, which was turned into a home towards the end of the 19th century.

Morpeth Castle and Carlisle Park

Surprisingly, although there have been two castles in Morpeth, the par ...

Updated: Aug 30, 2005 9:02am PST

Warkworth Castle - photos by Nathan Shafer. The last day in Northumberland. : WARKWORTH Warkworth Castle stands boldly above a wooded bend of the River Coquet. The first fortress here dates from around 1150 when Henry, son of the Scottish King David, built a simple 'motte and bailey" structure. By the 13th century, Warkworth had grown to be a noble castle. King Edward I spent a night there in 1292. In 1327 it withstood two sieges by the Scots and in 1332 Edward III granted it to Henry de Percy. Subsequently, the Percies wintered at Warkworth and spent their summers at Alnwick. A magnificent keep was built by Henry, 1st Earl of Northumberland at the end of the 14th century. He and is equally ambitious son, Harry Hotspur, helped to depose King Richard II in 1399 but turned against his successor, Henry IV, having at first supported him. Shakespeare uses Warkworth Castle for the setting of the opening scene of Henry IV (Part II), referring to 'this worm-eaten hold of rugged stone, where Hotspur's father, old Northumberland, lies crafty, sick'. Later Earls and Dukes of Northumberland neglected Warkworth in favour of Alnwick and the castle fell into disrepair and decay. In 1617 a visitor recorded finding 'nothing but goats and sheep in every chamber ... where they lie every night'. Today, however, it is lovingly preserved and much visited for its beauty.

Warkworth Castle - photos by Nathan Shafer. The last day in Northumberland.

WARKWORTH Warkworth Castle stands boldly above a wooded bend of t ...

Updated: Aug 18, 2005 5:15pm PST

Warkworth Castle and Village : Photos by Jamie Shafer. Warkworth consists of an ancient village, ancient Percy castle and ancient fortified bridge, no to mention an ancient church.

Warkworth Castle and Village

Photos by Jamie Shafer. Warkworth consists of an ancient village, anci ...

Updated: Aug 18, 2005 12:20pm PST

Ogle and Other Places in Northumberland : This is a visual tribute to Northumberland from which John Ogle emigrated to Delaware in 1664. In 2001 I created a photo album on CD using my photos, purchased postcards, and photos and drawings sent by Ogle cousins in England. Since the Ogle/Ogles Family Association is planning a group visit to Northumberland in the summer of 2005, I was moved to recreate my album for presentation on the internet, including this time more elements: internet photos, antique prints, scanned photos, maps and printed information from books and the internet. All this is done with the hope that the Ogle travellers of 2005 will expand their travels in beautiful Northumberland beyond the obvious destinations i.e.Ogle Castle, Eglingham Hall, Alnwick Castle, etc., and include some of the additional sites pictured in this album. Any image can be saved in any size by right-clicking the image and saving to your computer harddrive.

Ogle and Other Places in Northumberland

This is a visual tribute to Northumberland from which John Ogle emigra ...

Updated: May 25, 2005 5:02am PST