At various times the fascinating history of the civil parish of Eglingham has been explored, not least in two of the volumes in the series “A History of Northumberland”.
In 2021 a new vision for presenting the local history of the three villages; Eglingham, North Charlton and South Charlton, in the form of interpretation boards, was considered by the Parish Council. In addition, a separate piece of work was carried out on behalf of the Church of St Maurice of Eglingham to explain the role of Eglingham as the historic centre of the Archdeaconry of Lindisfarne. A similar project was developed for St James’ Church in South Charlton.
The Parish Council agreed to sponsor a project which drew together the history of the villages and the churches, and funding was secured from RWE Renewables Middlemoor Windfarm Community Benefit Fund.
A working group to develop the interpretation boards concept was established under the leadership of Parish Councillor, Jane Hamilton and comprised representatives from the three villages: Carolyn Brewster from Eglingham; Alyson McGarrigle from North Charlton; Lorna Turner, Belinda Dance and Andy Grey from South Charlton. In addition Janet Rice provided local history expertise.
The Lindisfarne Legacy project was developed by Carolyn Brewster and Margaret Bell, culminating in a permanent, free, exhibition in the church’s Ogle Chapel. An information leaflet is available in the church.
Lorna Turner produced the history board for St James’ Church in South Charlton.
The interpretation boards were installed in early 2023.
The final element of the project is an information leaflet which brings together the history of the civil parish.
Production of the interpretation boards and leaflets would not have been possible without Ben Smith of MGH Consultants and Sue Rudge Design and Communication.
The interpretation boards can be visited at:
Eglingham, there are three, each providing different information;
On the grass verge near the Coach House by Church Lane
On the wall of the village hall
In the churchyard
North Charlton there is one:
This is wall mounted next to the village notice board.
South Charlton, there are two,
both of which are sited in the village garden:
