Prudhoe & District Local History Society
Gallery - Prudhoe Over the Years
Explore Prudhoe’s history through our gallery of images and stories, showcasing its evolution from ancient times to today. Perfect for history enthusiasts and locals.
Personal Memories of Prudhoe
Explore Prudhoe’s history through personal interviews and stories, capturing heartfelt memories and unique moments from the town’s past.
Soldiers killed in WWI & WWII
Remembering soldiers from Prudhoe who gave their lives in WWI and WWII. Explore a list of their names, preserving their legacy for future generations.
St. Mary Magdalene Cemetery
Explore the initiatives undertaken to rejuvenate St Mary Magdalene Cemetery, including restoration projects and landscaping improvements.
History
About Prudhoe
Prudhoe is a medium sized town just south of the River Tyne, about 11 miles (18 km) west of the city of Newcastle upon Tyne. It lies at the heart of a vibrant community in East Tynedale which includes the villages of Mickley, Ovingham, Ovington, Wylam, Stocksfield, Horsley and Heddon-on-the-Wall. Prudhoe has existed at least since the 12th Century when Robert de Umfraville built his castle on high ground to the south of and above the river Tyne. For centuries, the castle was surrounded by a small agricultural community. The castle ceased to be occupied in 1963, and is now a popular tourist attraction, managed by English Heritage.
History
About Prudhoe
Prudhoe is a medium sized town just south of the River Tyne, about 11 miles (18 km) west of the city of Newcastle upon Tyne. It lies at the heart of a vibrant community in East Tynedale which includes the villages of Mickley, Ovingham, Ovington, Wylam, Stocksfield, Horsley and Heddon-on-the-Wall. Prudhoe has existed at least since the 12th Century when Robert de Umfraville built his castle on high ground to the south of and above the river Tyne. For centuries, the castle was surrounded by a small agricultural community. The castle ceased to be occupied in 1963, and is now a popular tourist attraction, managed by English Heritage.
Key Updates
Explore pivotal moments and key updates in our local history. From landmark events to cultural shifts, delve into the stories that shaped our community.
Local knowledge and information requests
Click here to visit our new page for queries about local families and history
A Prudhoe Likeness
Out of print and rare, this book is now provided online with minor updates for the community. Click here for “A Prudhoe Likeness.”
Gallery
Go back in time through our carefully curated images of Prudhoe over the years
Gone but never forgotten
Jim Standish, our founder and lifelong President, sadly passed on Saturday 10 August 2019. The positin will rest with Jim.
Our former treasurer and friend, Brian Thompson who died on 30 June 2017
Former outings secetary and chair Howard Haywood who died on 21 October 2020
Membership Secretary and friend Marcus Gatenby who died on 12 February 2021
Oral History
We are working to capture the memories of Prudhoe folk.
Have you spent much of your life in or around Prudhoe?
Do you know someone who would like to share their memories?
If so, we’d love to be able to capture these memories and record them in the Oral Histories section of our website. If you’re interested, please let us know. Click here to email the Society.
You can see our collection of interviews on the Personal Memories tab on this website.
Oral History
We are working to capture the memories of Prudhoe folk. Have you spent much of your life in or around Prudhoe? Do you know someone who would like to share their memories? If so, we’d love to be able to capture these memories and record them in the Oral Histories section of our website.
If you’re interested, please let us know. Click here to email the Society. You can see our collection of interviews on the Personal Memories tab on this website.
The Bogs Disaster
In Prudhoe, on February 8, 1910, tragedy struck in what became known as the Bog’s Disaster. Wet weather and sandy soil caused a landslide at Bog Cottages near West Wylam Colliery. Around 9:30 in the morning, a massive tree uprooted and crashed through three houses, burying them in debris. The landslide, estimated at 4-5 hundred tons, destroyed furniture and twisted iron bed frames. The rescue efforts, aided by local miners, recovered the bodies of three women. Multiple doctors and nurses from nearby areas, along with police, assisted in the rescue operations.
The Bogs Disaster
In Prudhoe, on February 8, 1910, tragedy struck in what became known as the Bog’s Disaster. Wet weather and sandy soil caused a landslide at Bog Cottages near West Wylam Colliery. Around 9:30 in the morning, a massive tree uprooted and crashed through three houses, burying them in debris. The landslide, estimated at 4-5 hundred tons, destroyed furniture and twisted iron bed frames. The rescue efforts, aided by local miners, recovered the bodies of three women. Multiple doctors and nurses from nearby areas, along with police, assisted in the rescue operations.