The Norse Camp, Alnmouth

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. 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 investigations, it's age and function remain unclear.^[1]

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