Topics > Northumberland > Berwick upon Tweed > Spittal
Spittal
SPITTLE, or Spittal, a considerable fishing and sea-bathing village, in the parish of Tweedmouth, union of Berwick-upon-Tweed, in Islandshire, N. division of Northumberland, 1 mile (S.E.) from Berwick; containing 1,631 inhabitants. This place is situated on the coast, at the mouth of the river Tweed, and consists principally of two streets. It was formerly inhabited by smugglers and others of disreputable character; but since the inclosure of the adjacent common, these have gradually been superseded by honest and industrious fishermen. Here are six houses for curing red and white herrings; and good accommodation is afforded for persons who resort hither for sea-bathiug, or for drinking the water of a powerful chalybeate spring in the neighbourhood. On Sunnyside Hill, half a mile from the village, is an extensive colliery, the property of the corporation of Berwick. The tithes have been commuted for £98. There is a place of worship for Presbyterians.
Extract from: A Topographical Dictionary of England comprising the several counties, cities, boroughs, corporate and market towns, parishes, and townships..... 7th Edition, by Samuel Lewis, London, 1848.
Spittal is a town in northern Northumberland, England. It is part of Berwick-upon-Tweed and is situated on the coast to the east of Tweedmouth. Spittal Beach is considered one of the best beaches in Northumberland.
The name derives from a shortened form of "hospital"; a hospital, dedicated to St Bartholomew, was built here in the Middle Ages to take care of lepers. St John's, the parish church, was built in 1867 in the Early English style, its tower being added in 1894. Prior to this, "Spittlers" had worshipped in a stable loft. There is also a nonconformist church, St Paul's, built in 1878. The town has several hotels and guest houses providing bed and breakfast, a town hall, and several shops of different kinds.
Governance
Spittal is in the parliamentary constituency of Berwick-upon-Tweed.
People
Maggie Moffat was born here and she became a suffragette and film actor.
Visit the page: Spittal, Northumberland for references and further details. You can contribute to this article on Wikipedia.
Co-Curate Page
Tweedmouth Chapelry, 1855
- Extract from: History, Topography, and Directory of Northumberland...Whellan, William, & Co, 1855. TWEEDMOUTH PAROCHIAL CHAPELRY TWEEDMOUTH, a parochial chapelry, situated at the northern extremity of Islandshire, comprises the townships …
