A new guidebook to Northumberland is set to be unveiled at Alnwick Castle at the end of September.
Stephen Platten, the former Dean of Norwich and Bishop of Wakefield who now resides in Berwick-upon-Tweed, has explored most corners of Northumberland in a series of ancient Land Rovers before writing Northumberland: A Guide . The book explores the county from coast to countryside, aiming to take the reader to the castles, beaches, houses, churchyards and battle sites.
Inspired by the former Shell County Guides, the brainchild of John Betjeman, guide to Northumberland editions of these were published in 1937, 1954 and 1967. The 2022 version covers hamlets, villages and towns from West Woodburn to Wooler, Allendale to Alston, and there's even a spot for Newcastle and North Tyneside.
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Author Stephen Platten said: "I have been a lifelong enthusiast of the classic Shell County Guides as well as an avid visitor to Northumberland after visiting Alnmouth Friary as a teenager, before eventually marrying a wonderful woman from Northumberland.
"I like to think of myself as an adopted son of Northumberland. My book covers stories about people, places and the quirkiness and uniqueness of Northumberland and I want to encourage more people to explore the land, people, flora and fauna alongside its architecture and history."
Richard Rutherford from Sacristy Press, the small, independent publishing house in Durham which published the book, said: "It’s been a pleasure to work on and publish this book whose entire contents are literally on our doorstep. Having grown up in Morpeth I’m thrilled that this new guide to Northumberland has already received much support and I’ve no doubt will enthral visitors as its guides them around one of our most beautiful counties."
The launch of Northumberland: A Guide will take place at Alnwick Castle on September 27 by the Duke of Northumberland, with the public able to attend if they wish.
For more information about the book, visit the Sacristy Press website. To reserve a place at the book launch, click here.
What's your favourite book set in Northumberland? Let us know!
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