Maiden Way

Heritage Site in Northumberland

England

Maiden Way

Grandfather and granddaughter The disused <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/2679564">NY6754 : George V "lamp" postbox in a bus shelter at Burnstones</a> built into the stonework has been replaced by an Elizabeth II box mounted properly on a post alongside.  The modern box has the number CA8 289 (although the location is in Northumberland it is in the Carlisle postal area).
Grandfather and granddaughter Credit: Tiger

Maiden Way is a historic site located in Northumberland, England, known for its significant cultural and historical importance. This ancient trackway dates back to Roman times and has served as a strategic route, connecting important towns and settlements in the region for centuries.

The Maiden Way stretches approximately 35 miles, starting from the Roman fort of Carvoran near Hadrian's Wall, and running southwest towards the River Tees. This well-preserved route offers a glimpse into the Roman Empire's infrastructure and military capabilities, showcasing their ability to construct enduring roads that have stood the test of time.

The trackway itself is around 20 feet wide and features a distinctive straight path, punctuated by several ditches and drainage features. These engineering marvels highlight the Romans' advanced knowledge in road construction, ensuring the longevity and functionality of their transportation network.

Maiden Way's strategic significance during Roman times cannot be overstated. It provided a vital link between the northern frontier of Hadrian's Wall and the forts in the Pennines, facilitating the movement of troops, supplies, and communication. The route also played a crucial role in trade and commerce, connecting various settlements and enabling economic activity in the region.

Today, Maiden Way stands as a testament to the Romans' engineering prowess and their enduring impact on the landscape of Northumberland. It attracts history enthusiasts, archaeologists, and tourists alike, offering a unique opportunity to experience and appreciate this remarkable piece of ancient history.

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Maiden Way Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 54.893/-2.507 or Grid Reference NY6755. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Grandfather and granddaughter The disused <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/2679564">NY6754 : George V "lamp" postbox in a bus shelter at Burnstones</a> built into the stonework has been replaced by an Elizabeth II box mounted properly on a post alongside.  The modern box has the number CA8 289 (although the location is in Northumberland it is in the Carlisle postal area).
Grandfather and granddaughter
The disused NY6754 : George V "lamp" postbox in a bus shelter at Burnstones built into the stonework has been replaced by an Elizabeth II box mounted properly on a post alongside. The modern box has the number CA8 289 (although the location is in Northumberland it is in the Carlisle postal area).
Burnstones on the A689 Just a bus shelter with a litter bin and two postboxes (one disused).  Besides the modern road from Carlisle to Hartlepool, two other routes cross the Thinhope Burn, a tributary of the South Tyne, here: the former Alston branch railway from Haltwhistle, by the skew viaduct one of whose arches can be seen here, now followed by the South Tyne Trail, and the Roman road called Maiden Way which probably forded the burn assisted by stepping stones which give the hamlet its name.  For a closer view of the postboxes see <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/4722136">NY6754 : Grandfather and granddaughter</a>.
Burnstones on the A689
Just a bus shelter with a litter bin and two postboxes (one disused). Besides the modern road from Carlisle to Hartlepool, two other routes cross the Thinhope Burn, a tributary of the South Tyne, here: the former Alston branch railway from Haltwhistle, by the skew viaduct one of whose arches can be seen here, now followed by the South Tyne Trail, and the Roman road called Maiden Way which probably forded the burn assisted by stepping stones which give the hamlet its name. For a closer view of the postboxes see NY6754 : Grandfather and granddaughter.
Thinhope Viaduct Two of the elliptical skew arches of the viaduct built in 1852 for the Alston branch railway and now carrying the South Tyne Trail, viewed from the side road to Knarsdale Church and the Kirkstyle Inn.  Pevsner's revisers in 1992 suggested that the engineer responsible may have been George Barclay Bruce.  The left-hand arch carries the trackbed over the Thinhope Burn which flows into the South Tyne and the broader arch on the right crosses the A689 road leading from Alston to Brampton, which itself crosses the burn by an older bridge.
Thinhope Viaduct
Two of the elliptical skew arches of the viaduct built in 1852 for the Alston branch railway and now carrying the South Tyne Trail, viewed from the side road to Knarsdale Church and the Kirkstyle Inn. Pevsner's revisers in 1992 suggested that the engineer responsible may have been George Barclay Bruce. The left-hand arch carries the trackbed over the Thinhope Burn which flows into the South Tyne and the broader arch on the right crosses the A689 road leading from Alston to Brampton, which itself crosses the burn by an older bridge.
Sundial at St Jude's Church On the south wall with inscriptions giving the history of the building:

Erected A.D. 1833
Revd Thomas Bewsher Rector
William Barker, Joseph Richardson, Churchwardens
Restored and enlarged 1892
Vestry & Porch added 1906

Pevsner, writing in 1957, gives 1838 as the date of erection (a mistranscription?) and 1891 for the additions.  He did not know the name of the architect or record the dedication to the patron saint of lost causes, but mentions that the church has a chalice of 1731.
Sundial at St Jude's Church
On the south wall with inscriptions giving the history of the building: Erected A.D. 1833 Revd Thomas Bewsher Rector William Barker, Joseph Richardson, Churchwardens Restored and enlarged 1892 Vestry & Porch added 1906 Pevsner, writing in 1957, gives 1838 as the date of erection (a mistranscription?) and 1891 for the additions. He did not know the name of the architect or record the dedication to the patron saint of lost causes, but mentions that the church has a chalice of 1731.
Old railway bridge over A689 at Knarsdale
Old railway bridge over A689 at Knarsdale
Track, Knaresdale
Track, Knaresdale
Moorland, Knaresdale
Moorland, Knaresdale
Moorland, Knaresdale
Moorland, Knaresdale
Woodland, Coanwood The scene in Towsbank Wood where selective felling is in progress.
Woodland, Coanwood
The scene in Towsbank Wood where selective felling is in progress.
Pastures, Knaresdale Ewes and lambs beside the bridleway to the south of Parson Shield.
Pastures, Knaresdale
Ewes and lambs beside the bridleway to the south of Parson Shield.
Track and moorland, Knaresdale A relatively modern track providing access to a shooting hut on the north side of Larchet Hill.
Track and moorland, Knaresdale
A relatively modern track providing access to a shooting hut on the north side of Larchet Hill.
Pastures, Knaresdale On the bridleway approaching The Bog from Parson Shield.
Pastures, Knaresdale
On the bridleway approaching The Bog from Parson Shield.
Glendue Burn near Eals A small burn that runs down through Glendue Wood to join the South Tyne near the hamlet of Eals.
Glendue Burn near Eals
A small burn that runs down through Glendue Wood to join the South Tyne near the hamlet of Eals.
Footbridge over the South Tyne at Eals
Footbridge over the South Tyne at Eals
Small footbridge over the Kindle Burn on the edge of Towsbank Wood
Small footbridge over the Kindle Burn on the edge of Towsbank Wood
The South Tyne river and Towsbank Wood
The South Tyne river and Towsbank Wood
Footpath by the river South Tyne leading to Towsbank wood
Footpath by the river South Tyne leading to Towsbank wood
Direction Sign – Signpost  south of Eals Located on the west side of a T junction south of Eals in Knarsdale with Kirkhaugh parish. 3 arms, 1 Worboys, and cone in cup finial. 

Milestone Society National ID: NB_NY6855
Direction Sign – Signpost south of Eals
Located on the west side of a T junction south of Eals in Knarsdale with Kirkhaugh parish. 3 arms, 1 Worboys, and cone in cup finial. Milestone Society National ID: NB_NY6855
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Maiden Way is located at Grid Ref: NY6755 (Lat: 54.893, Lng: -2.507)

Unitary Authority: Northumberland

Police Authority: Northumbria

What 3 Words

///dribble.hillsides.rescue. Near Greenhead, Northumberland

Nearby Locations

Maiden Way Eals

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Nearby Amenities

Located within 500m of 54.893,-2.507
Ford: yes
Lat/Long: 54.8918562/-2.5118563
The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.

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