The Cheviot Hills, Northumberland National Park\n© Simon Fraser

Byrness : The History

The history of Byrness is in many respects a story of two villages, one with a past possibly stretching back into medieval period, the other no more than 50 years old. The first, represented by the hamlet clustered near to the church and graveyard, was the site of an ancient ruined chapel recorded by 18th - 19th century antiquaries. The second is of course the Forestry Commission village established less than half a mile further up the valley.

Pastoralism In Upper Redesdale

Byrness Chapel

The Redeswire

Byrness in the 16th - 18th Centuries

Components Of The Settlement

Upper Redesdale 1700 - 2000

Communities And Communications

The two largest villages in the parish of Elsdon, Elsdon itself and Otterburn, lie outside the townships of the Upper Rede Valley.  In fact, Otterburn is completely outside the area of the National Park altogether. Within the Upper Rede Valley, it is possible to trace the development of three small village or hamlet communities only. These are Horsley, Rochester and Byrness.

Byrness In the 19th Century

Byrness : The 20th Century Forestry Commission Village

Byrness : Research Document Information

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