August 10, 1829. The foundation stone of a bridge over the river Wansbeck, at High Ford, near Mitford, was laid by B. Mitford esq., lord of the manor, in the presence of a large concourse of spectators, with due form, amidst music, the firing of cannon and the ringing of bells. Mr. Moor of High House, as representative of William Ord esq., lord of the manor, on the opposite side of the river, assisted in the ceremony. A dance on the banks of the river followed, and afterwards thirty-two gentlemen dined at the Plough inn, at Mitford, Mr Mitford in the chair. Some very appropriate speeches were delivered, and the afternoon was spent with great conviviality.
From: J. Sykes. Local records; or, Historical register of remarkable events which have occurred in Northumberland and Durham, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, and Berwick-upon-Tweed..., published 1833.
There was widespread flooding in Northumberland on the 15th of September 1839, following heavy rains on the preceding day and night. Communities around the rivers Wansbeck, Coquet, Till, Rede, Till & Tweed experienced flooding. Families living by the River Wansbeck, were roused by water rushing into their houses at 5am. In Morpeth East Mill and dwelling house the water nearly reached the first story. Norham bridge was badly damaged; Wooler and Otterburn were also badly affected by the floods.
Following a period of sustained heavy rain the River Wansbeck burst its banks and overwhelmed the flood defences in Morpeth on the 6th of September 2008. Over 400 people had to be evacuated and almost a thousand properties were damaged.
Co-Curate is a project which brings together online collections, museums, universities, schools
and community groups to make and re-make stories and images from North East England and Cumbria.
Co-Curate
is a trans-disciplinary project that will open up 'official' museum and 'un-officia'l co-created
community-based collections and archives through innovative collaborative approaches using
social media and open archives/data.
