Otterburn Ward Township, 1848

OTTERBURN-WARD, a township, in the parish of Elsdon, union of Bellingham, S. division of Coquetdale ward, N. division of Northumberland, 11 miles (N.E. by N.) from Bellingham; containing 412 inhabitants. Here was fought, in 1388, the famous battle between the English under Percy, surnamed Hotspur, and the Scots commanded by Earl Douglas, in which the latter nobleman fell by the sword of the former, who, with many of his knights, was afterwards taken prisoner. The popular ballad of "Chevy Chase," in which, however, there are material deviations from historical facts, was founded upon this sanguinary contest. On the ground where the battle was fought are several tumuli, and the remains of intrenchments; and a cross, erroneously called "Percy's Cross," has been erected on the spot where Douglas is supposed to have fallen. Otterburn Tower was a strong fortress, well adapted for sustaining the frequent attacks of the Scottish borderers; the present castle is a modern edifice, in which some parts of the ancient building may be traced. The township comprises about 8,517 acres, of which 464 are arable, 180 woodland, and the remainder pasture. The village is neat and well built, and pleasantly situated: trees of every ordinary variety thrive well about it. The burn Otter, rising in the moors to the north, and coming through the lands of Davyshiel, has its steep sides covered with wood as it approaches the village, and after passing it, and turning the wheel of an ancient fullingmill, winds through rich haughs, and soon joins the Rede. Near the village is a small manufactory for woollen-cloth, including carding, &c. There is a place of worship for Seceders from the Church of Scotland.