Longhorsley was once a purely rural village, with several working farms and small agricultural holdings, within its boundary. Almost all of the inhabitants were dependant on farming, and its services for a living. Today, within easy travelling distance of Newcastle and the businesses of Tyneside, the village is now a thriving, if mainly dormitory community, with a population of one thousand-five-hundred.
Situated on a ridge just south of the river Coquet, twenty-one miles north of Newcastle and six mile north of Morpeth the village straddles the A697 road. The road used to be the fastest coaching route, and still is a much-used route, to Scotland. There are some excellent walks around the village, which command panoramic views of the Cheviots to the north and the Northumberland coast to the east.
Longhorsley Moor, situated on the south side of the village, is a Site of Special Scientific Interest being "The finest example of lowland heath in the North of England". Populated with an abundance of wildlife, access is available by public footpaths. Linden Hall one mile north of the village was built in 1812 and was once the home of the Lord of the Manor; it is now a prestigious country hotel with its own championship standard golf course. The hotel is a popular retreat for sporting and other celebrities who wish to enjoy the peace and tranquility of its four hundred acre park and woodland grounds.
During the Longhorsley year various activities take place The Walking (or riding) of the Bounds takes place normally on the last Saturday in May, it's an excuse to have an ale (or two). In July, we have village day, which consists of a show of garden produce, cookery, art, and craft articles. There are children's sports, a pet show, and the opportunity to see the exotic animals at close quarters when the West End Farm is open to visitors for the day, but only that day.
The last Saturday in the month a dance is held to a live band in the village hall, in addition the Longhorsley Ball takes place, at nearby Linden Hall Hotel, each November. The WI has a section that organise walks at regular intervals around our beautiful border County, and another group of them go swimming every Wednesday at a local holiday complex, and the Art Club annually exhibit their work in the village hall.
Courtesy of Longhorsley History Society. The full text is available at Introduction to Longhorsley. |
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