Alnham : Area of Study

The area of study adopted is represented by the historic township of Alnham. This was, by far the largest of four townships incorporated in the ecclesiastical parish of Alnham, and covered an area of 9353 acres in the 19th century (acreage provided by NCH XIV (1935), 560; Dixon 1985, II, 24 gives 9405 acres), making up the bulk of Alnham Parish.

The township stretched from the head of Alndale as far the border with Scotland at Windy Gyle and Cock Law, about 20km to the west, covering a substantial chunk of the Cheviot Hills and extending over the Aln and Coquet watershed to include much of the south side of the Breamish Valley. The development of parochial and township structures is discussed fully in the following section.

Picture : Medieval Earthworks at Alnham