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September 07, 2006 |
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The Cheviot & North Pennine River |
The
Dales south of the Tyne are still
in Northumbria but classed as the North Pennines and an area of outstanding
beauty with high moorland. With
High Force in Teesdale being England's largest waterfall.
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New Year Tar Barrel Celebration
The Northumberland Village of Allendale celebrate the New Year with a unique
ceremony at mid night on New Years Eve each year with a colourful procession
through the town.
A selected hereditary team of barrel carriers known as Guisers dressed in
fancy dress carry flaming whiskey barrels through the streets to the town centre
where they are used to ignite a ceremonial bonfire.
The barrels which can weigh 15 kg (30 lbs) filled with burning hot tar are
carried by the Guisers on their heads, the flames leaping up to the dark night
skies with sparks giving a spectacular sight.
The Guisers some of whom have held their right to carry the flaming barrels
for more than half a century had the honour passed from their fathers and intend
to pass it on down through the family.
Without documentary evidence of the roots to the centuries old festival
local folklore gives theories of being Viking in origin with possible Paganism
roots in fire worship.
Allendale nestled in the North Pennines, south of the Tyne attracts
spectators from far and wide each year so book accommodation early and wrap up
well.
Most of the villages in the area have a connection to the days of lead
mining with old mine chimneys in the hills around Allenheads Heritage Mining
Centre with portrays the history of the local lead mines and its existence since
the last mine closed in 1896.
Nenthead Mines
An underground Experience in the Pennine Lead Mines with
Tours, Shop, Cafe and Bunkhouse Accommodation from Easter to October. Tel:
01434-382-03
A quiet town worth a visit or a short stay in the Lord Crewe
Arms Hotel, this was the site of a Monastery founded by a silent order of
Monks who wore white habits. A visiting party of Border Reivers from the North
intending to plunder the monastery lost their way on the moors in the fog.
The Monks later believing the threat was over rang the monastery
bells in celebration, giving the raiding party directions to their ultimate
goal.
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Lord Crewe Arms
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