The Norse Camp, Alnmouth

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The Norse Camp is a Scheduled Monument at the north of Alnmouth. It is also known traditionally as Night Folds; the county Conservation team list it as Mount Pleasant Enclosure, and it is labelled as Enclosure on OS Maps.

The enclosure, of uncertain date, is visible as an earthwork on aerial photographs.

The area of the settlement was modified when it became part a golf course, with bunkers established within its boundary. Northumberland Archives list a postcard dated 1915, showing 'Norse Camp Green' on Alnmouth Golf Course.

The name 'Norse Camp' suggests some linkage with Viking settlers. The Vikings raided the Northumbrian coast, particularly during the 8th century, and this possibly is the remains of one of their winter camps. In 1789, fragments of a carved stone cross from that Viking period, were found at nearby Church Hill.

However, it has been suggested that it is more likely a medieval or later stock enclosure, based on it's shape, position at the entrance to the village, and the traditional name 'Night Folds'. It is unlikely to be a defensive site (Iron Age or later) as the enclosure it is overlooked by Beacon Hill. Despite a number of archeological investigations, it's age and function remain unclear.^[1] Possibly, the site has had multiple occupations and usage, which changed over time.

Note: Map data from Historic England c/o Open Data UK, under the Open Government Licence, imported into Google MyMaps, February 2026.