ROYAL BORDERBRIDGEPPPPPPPPP1 41218561537101316221179202314118192224 Tweedmouth Berwick-upon-TweedSpittal1.Archaeology and Artichokes2.Bank Hill Icehouse3.Berwick Baptist Church4.Berwick Castle Tour5.Berwick CommunityWind Turbine6.Berwick Museum and Art Gallery 7.Castle Vale Park8.Church of St Bartholomew and St Boisil9.Fishing and Fertiliser10. From Ditch to Bastion11. Georgian Berwick12. Greenses Arabs and Fish Tales13. Gunpowder Magazine14. Holy Trinity Church15. Kings Own Scottish Borderers Regimental Museum16. Main Guard17. Masonic Hall18. Northstar19. Old Coastguard Station20. The Old Gaol21. Palace Green Pavilion22. Spittal Fishing Shiel23. St Andrews Church24. The Tower TourBERWICK HERITAGE OPEN DAYS 20151.ARCHAEOLOGY AND ARTICHOKESLions House Allotments, Berwick-upon-TweedOften seen by walkers around Berwicks walls, theres a wealth of history and vegetables waiting to be unearthed in the Lions House allotments! Spend some time with local historian Jim Herbert discovering a forgotten 16th-century fort and the original south wall of the Elizabethan defences, a bowling green, ropery and icehouses.Oh, and how you can become a budding archaeologist in your own back garden.Opening TimesSunday:Tours at 1300, 1430 & 1600Access InformationUneven ground and steps on site which may limit access to some areas for some members of the public.DirectionsMeet on the Elizabethan walls near the Gunpowder Magazine and Lions House.From Ravensdowne / Woolmarket junction go up the steps to the right of the Indian restaurant and along the path.2.BANK HILL ICEHOUSEBank Hill, Berwick-upon-TweedLeading to deep within Bank Hill is a mysterious tunnel. It opens to the vast cool cavern of the icehouse built around 1786 1799. Join the Friends of Berwick and District Museum and Archives to glimpse into this integral part of Berwicks work-famous salmon fshing industryThe export of salmon to London was a huge and proftable trade for Berwick. At one time the fsh were salted, smoked or pickled in brine. The idea of packing fsh in crushed ice was imported from China around 1785 and revolutionised the salmon trade.Icehouses were constructed to store ice from local ponds or imported from Scandinavia. Well-insulated ice could be kept for up to two years. There were at one time several icehouses in Berwick including one on Ravensdowne and several under houses on Shoregate and Quay walls. Icehouses were in use until the mid 1930s.Bank Hill Icehouse was used as an air raid shelter during WW2. The brick walls at the rear of the chamber are from this period. The icehouse is now owned by the Berwick P reservation Trust.Opening TimesSaturday: 10001600Sunday: 1000-1600AccessBank Hill is a fairly steep incline. The tunnel foor is a fairly rough ascending a slight slope.Additional informationPark in nearby Bridge Street car park.DirectionsBank Hill runs under the New Bridge from Golden Square to Love Lane. The Icehouse is located just downhill of the New Bridge.3.BERWICK BAPTIST CHURCHGolden Square, Berwick-upon-Tweed, TD15 1BGBerwick Baptist Church has a long and fascinating history.The building now occupied by the church was rebuilt as the Grammar School in the 1820s.Discover it and the surrounding area in an exhibition about the schools and churches of Golden Square and the Royal Tweed Bridge (the New Bridge) of 1928, the building of which destroyed the square. Interesting features remain including the Grammar School plaque, the School House plaque, scrolled kneelers on gables and the grooved window sills.Opening TimesSaturday: 100016004.BERWICK CASTLE TOURRailway Street, Berwick-upon-Tweed, TD15 1NFBerwick Castle was one of the most important fortresses during the Anglo-Scottish Wars.Probably built by the Scottish King David about 1124, it held his royal mint and was the scene of a decision made by Edward I that would make legends.Discover a forgotten Jacobean palace and fnd out if the railway really demolished the castle.Not much remains but theres more than you think.Jim Herbert of Berwick Time Lines takes you on a tour pointing out the many tantalising clues that can be found and pieces its story together.Each tour is followed shortly by a further tour exploring Berwicks northern defences: From Ditch To Bastion (see separate entry).Opening TimesSaturday: Tours 0930 & 1330Access InformationLong fights of steps and fairly steep slopes involved.Some uneven paths.DirectionsMeet on Railway Street at the top of Berwick railway station approach road.5.BERWICK COMMUNITY WIND TURBINENr. Folly Farm, off A1 southbound carriagewayLove em or hate em, wind turbines are becoming more numerous. Now is your chance to get up close to one. This new, most northern HODs event aims to dispel some of the misunderstandings surrounding them.The 50m 500kW turbine has been in operation since May 2014 and has performed well, generating not only green electricity but money that is injected by Berwick Community Trust into projects to beneft the town.As well as being able to step inside (not up!) there will be displays about the turbine, the work of the Community Trust and a short history of windmills in Berwick. Event not suitable for children under the age of 10.Opening TimesFriday:10001600Access InformationThe Wind Turbine is accessed off the southbound carriageway of the A1. For visitors travelling from the south, exit the A1 at Lamberton (shortly after the large Welcome to Scotland sign), drive over the bridge and rejoin the A1 south towards Berwick. Look out for the pink HODs signs and bunting.Pre-booking requiredBerwick Tourist Information CentreTel:01670 622155Email:berwick.tic@activenorthumberland.org.ukWrite to: 106 Marygate, Berwick-upon-Tweed, Northumberland TD15 1BN6.BERWICK MUSEUM AND ART GALLERY Berwick Barracks, Parade, Berwick-upon-Tweed, TD15 1DGBerwick Museum & Art Gallery is situated within the Clock Block at Berwick Barracks. The Barracks was designed by the architect Nicholas Hawksmoor and largely completed in 1721 - the frst purpose built army barracks since Roman times. Wonder at paintings, glass and oriental porcelain - part of the Burrell Collection. Discover the sights and sounds of old Berwick. Peer into the cottage and local tavern. Uncover Berwicks battles and see its weaponry and medieval art. Opening TimesSaturday: 1000-1600Sunday:1000-1600Access InformationSteps throughout building.7.CASTLE VALE PARKOff Railway Street, Berwick-upon-Tweed, TD15 1NFCastle Vale Park was formed from land gifted to the town by local baker, John Cairns and opened in 1931. It is home to a rich variety of natural and built heritage, nestling between the remains of Berwick Castle and the medieval town walls. In 2014 it (and nearby Coronation Park) was regenerated through a major HLF project. Join The Friends of Berwick Castle Parks to explore the history of the park and make a bat or a bird box too!Opening TimesSaturday: 10001500Access InformationSome steep slopes and steps.Wheelchair users are advised to access the park via Tweed Street.Additional informationParking available at railway station car park.DirectionsEntry to park from Railway Street, Tweed Street or riverside walk.8.CHURCH OF ST BARTHOLOMEW AND ST BOISILChurch Road, Tweedmouth, Berwick-upon-Tweed, TD15 2AJThe Church of St. Bartholomew and St Boisil was originally named after Boisil, the mid-7th century Abbotnear Melrose in the Scottish Borders, now called St Boswells, a corruption of his name.The frst written reference to Tweedmouth Parish Church is in a confrmatory papal document dated 1145 concerning the Church of Bosilius at Tweedmouth which suggests the church had been there some time.However, in the Victorian period, Tweedmouth Church became known as St.Bartholomews after an early monastic leper hospital in Spittal.One of the apostles would be far more respectable than an obscure Celtic saint.The present building was built in 1783 and enlarged in 1866.John Mackay Wilson who wrote the original the Tales Of The Borders stories is buried here.An exhibition about his life and work will be on display.Opening TimesSaturday: 100016009.FISHING AND FERTILISERMeet at Carr Rock, Dock Road, Spittal, Berwick-upon-TweedOnly the Victorians would think of setting up a holiday resort next to an agro-chemical industrial estate. This 1 hour guided walk looks at the industrial aspects of Spittal, investigating the salmon and herring fshing industries, and the fertiliser industries that sprang up on Sandstell Point.Opening TimesSunday:Tours 1130 & 1400DirectionsCarr Rock is a small riverside quay that is home to the Berwick RNLI between Tweedmouth and Spittal.10.FROM DITCH TO BASTIONNorthumberland Avenue, Berwick-upon-Tweed, TD15 1LYI must admit the new wall is marvellous beautiful, was an opinion voiced to Queen Elizabeth about the bastioned fortifcations in 1568, before condemning them as badly designed and a waste of money! In this, the most northerly Heritage Open Days event, historian Jim Herbert takes you on a journey amongst the northern mediaeval defences of Berwick that actually saw some action in the Anglo-Scottish wars and bear witness to the changes in technology from the earliest ditch defence to the 16th century bastions.The tour takes in Spades Mire, Bell Tower and Lords Mount.Follows on from the Berwick Castle tour.Opening TimesSaturday: 1130, 1530Access InformationUneven ground, slopes and steps involved.Additional informationPark at railway station car park and walk to Berwick Holiday Camp entrance along Northumberland Avenue.DirectionsMeet at entrance to Berwick Holiday Camp.From Castlegate, turn east along Northumberland Avenue.11.GEORGIAN BERWICKRavensdowne/Quay Walls, Berwick-upon-Tweed, TD15 1DFWhat was once called Rotten Row was transformed into Ravensdowne in the 18th century. Many of the houses here were populated by Berwicks wealthier citizens.This walk will take you down this quiet back street and then to the magnifcent Georgian Quay Walls which were built by merchants but also were home to the artist Thomas Sword Good (17891872).Discover more family histories and architectural gems with local Archivist Linda Bankier. The tour lasts from 1-1.5 hours.Opening TimesSunday:1500Access InformationLimited access. The tour fnishes with an exploration of a house which entails stairs.DirectionsMeet at Parade car park near Ravensdowne, Berwick-upon-Tweed,TD15 1DFPre-booking requiredBerwick Tourist Information CentreTel:01670 622155Email:berwick.tic@activenorthumberland.org.ukWrite to: 106 Marygate, Berwick-upon-Tweed, Northumberland TD15 1BN12.GREENSES ARABS AND FISH TALESHigh Greens, Berwick-upon-Tweed, TD15 1JXFThe Greenses is so called because until the 19th century, although located within the towns medieval walls, much of the land was still open feld. From the 18th century, herring fshing was the main occupation for the men of The Greenses during the summer months. In the winter, the fshermen turned to catching cod and haddock with long lines. Every day, each line with up to 720 hooks were baited with mussels and limpets collected and put on the hooks by the womenfolk. Crabs and lobsters were also caught, using pots known locally as creeves. The locals were called Greenses Arabs on account of the mens beards and swarthy complexions acquired from putting to sea in all weathers.Join local Archivist Linda Bankier as she leads you on a short walk to discover the stories of the families that lived and worked in the cottages and smokehouses of the Greenses. The tour lasts from 1-1.5 hours.Opening TimesSaturday:1500DirectionsMeet at corner of High Greens and Bell Tower Place, Berwick-upon-Tweed,TD15 1JXFPre-booking requiredBerwick Tourist Information CentreTel:01670 622155Email:berwick.tic@activenorthumberland.org.ukWrite to: 106 Marygate, Berwick-upon-Tweed, Northumberland TD15 1BN13.GUNPOWDER MAGAZINEBerwick-upon-Tweed, TD15 1JGThis purpose-built ammunition store was constructed in 1751 to provide safe storage of explosives required by the garrison at the nearby Barracks.There had been a previous magazine on this site as early as 1682.The new magazine incorporated features designed to ensure protection against damp and potential explosion.The main internal safety feature is the total absence of iron.All catches, hinges, bolts, etc are made of copper and the woodwork is joined by wooden plugs instead of nails to avoid any possibility of a spark igniting the gunpowder.Among the interesting internal features are the original wooden racks, furnished with facsimile 18th century gunpowder casks.Also still in place is the wooden hoist, which runs the length of the ceiling and was used to raise barrels from carts outside the building to the hatch above the rear door and lower them into place on the storage racks.Opening TimesSaturday: 10001600Sunday:10001600Access InformationSome steps and uneven ground.DirectionsThe Gunpowder Magazine is on the Elizabethan walls near the Lions House allotments.From Ravensdowne, go up the steps to the right of Villa Spice and along the path.14.HOLY TRINITY CHURCHWallace Green, Berwick-upon-Tweed, TD5 1EDHoly Trinity Church is a building of exceptional historic importance because it is a very rare example of a church built during the Commonwealth period.When George Fenwick was Governor of Berwick in the 17th century, funds were raised to build the church using stone and timber from the disused castle and was completed in 1652.It has no tower or steeple, reputedly at the express orders of Oliver Cromwell.Alterations that have taken place over the years have been sympathetic and the building is full of historical and architectural interest.In recent years a Millennium window has been installed and the organ has been restored.Opening TimesSaturday: Tours on the hour 10001600 (last tour 1500)15.KINGS OWN SCOTTISH BORDERERS MUSEUMBerwick Barracks, Parade, Berwick-upon-Tweed, TD15 1DGIn 1682, a Main Guard building stood in front of the Town Hall. By 1725, it had been moved up Marygate to a site opposite West Street. However, complaints about its location led to a new Main Guard being built in 1743. It has long been believed that in 1815 this building was dismantled and rebuilt in its present position but recent research has shown it to be a new construction. There are two main rooms in the building, one for the offcer of the guard and the other for the soldiers. Between them is a prison cell or black hole where drunks and vagrants could be locked up. Each night, patrols would set out to enforce the curfew. The Main Guard is now the headquarters of Berwick Civic Society. It contains two exhibitions, the recently revised The Story of a Border Garrison Town and Welfare, Beveridge and Berwick.Opening TimesSaturday: 10001600Sunday:10001600Access InformationSteps throughout.16.MAIN GUARDPalace Street, Berwick-upon-Tweed, TD15 1HNIn 1682, a Main Guard building stood in front of the Town Hall. By 1725, it had been moved up Marygate to a site opposite West Street. However, complaints about its location led to a new Main Guard being built in 1743. It has long been believed that in 1815 this building was dismantled and rebuilt in its present position but recent research has shown it to be a new construction. There are two main rooms in the building, one for the offcer of the guard and the other for the soldiers. Between them is a prison cell or black hole where drunks and vagrants could be locked up. Each night, patrols would set out to enforce the curfew. The Main Guard is now the headquarters of Berwick Civic Society. It contains two exhibitions, the recently revised The Story of a Border Garrison Town and Guild and GovernorsThe Governance of Berwick.Opening TimesSaturday: 10001600Sunday:11001700Access InformationA wheelchair ramp is used to access a couple of steps to the entrance.DirectionsThe Main Guard is located just off the town walls at the south end of the Quay Walls and behind Wellington Terrace.17. MASONIC HALLChurch Street, Berwick-upon-Tweed, TD15 1ETSt Davids Masonic Lodge was formed in 1828 and this year the Lodge will have their records on display as part of the Berwick 900 celebrations so that people in the town can see if any of their ancestors were Freemasons. Freemasonry in Berwick is long established and in 1872 the present site was bought for 1300. Memorabilia within the Temple includes 2 chairs dated 1641 and 1733. These items of Berwick Freemasonry are set against what is perhaps the most interesting aspect of any visit, the splendid surroundings of the Temple itself with its array of exquisite furnishings. One of very few purpose built Victorian Masonic Halls in existence it is one of the hidden treasures of Berwick. Its huge disappearing stained glass window is particularly fascinating whilst its massive pipe organ was installed in 1897. The Brethren of the Lodge will be in attendance to answer questions you have about the building or Freemasonry itself.Opening TimesSaturday: 10001600Access InformationThe Temple is upstairs so help may be needed for those with walking diffculties.DirectionsOpposite the Church of Scotland in Wallace Green and the Parade car park.18.NORTHSTARSt Marys, Castlegate, Berwick upon Tweed,TD15 1JXThe word shiel refers to the seasonal accommodation used by fshermen or herdsmen and can be found in place names such as Galashiels and North Shields. The salmon fshing season lasts from 1st February until 30 November. The shiels were equipped with bunks and freplaces and were also used as storage for the fshing gear. Sandstell shiel is a Grade II listed building. Records of its existence go back to 1735 and it is the only surviving unmodernised example of this type of building on the Tweed. It contains an exhibition on the history of Tweed salmon fshing.Opening TimesSaturday: 1000-1600DirectionsThe Northstar Centre is located behind the old St Marys church by the War Memorial on Castlegate.19.OLD COASTGUARD STATIONCommanding superlative views of the beautiful north Northumberland coast, the Old Coastguard Tower was built in 1964 but four years later, was closed down and became derelict.In 2002, Coastwatch UK, a national organisation took over the building. Local volunteers now man the station every weekend and act as extra eyes for HM Coastguard, HM Customs and Excise and the Police. Over the years they have reported 367 incidents.Members of the public are invited into this small building to talk to the volunteers about the work they do and see the local wildlife.Opening TimesFriday:1000-1600Saturday: 1000-1600Sunday:1000-1600Access InformationAccess to the tower is along a short clifftop path. Access to the upper foor of the tower is by a steep ladder.DirectionsThe Old Coastguard Station is located on the cliffs near Magdalene Fields Golf Course clubhouse (TD15 1NE). Drivers; to the north of the clubhouse, park in the small clifftop car park. Walkers approaching from the town centre should walk through Cow Gate in the town walls and walk along the path to the side of a deep ditch running towards the cliffs. If approaching from the north, just follow the clifftop paths.20.THE OLD GAOLWallace Green, Berwick-upon-Tweed, TD15 1EDIn 1836, the newly created Town Council was informed by the Mayor, Sheriff and Justices of the Peace of the utter insuffciency of the gaol in the Guildhall, especially as regards security and room for separating prisoners and that the town might lose its right to hold a Quarter Sessions Court if immediate action was not taken. The Town Council agreed in principle to build a new gaol but plans were not approved until 1844. In 1878, the building ceased to operate as a gaol and the Town Council then purchased it from the Police Commission and used it as a Court House/Police Station until c.1890. It was then sold to the Urban Sanitary Authority who made various alterations to the inside and constructed a stable block at the back. This work was completed in 1892 and since then the building has continued its existence as administrative offces for the Council.Opening TimesSaturday: 10301300 with tours every half hour.Last tour 1300.Access InformationSteps throughout building.21.PALACE GREEN PAVILIONPalace Green, Berwick-upon-TweedThis charming 19th century building was built as a Subscription Reading Room.The exact date that building commenced is not known but the central building is thought to date to about 1830.The Bowling Green and News Room is listed in the Berwick-upon-Tweed Corporation Act of 1843.At this time the property was owned by the Corporation and would have been leased or rented to the users.A billiard room was added in the 1850s.For the last 100 years it has been used by the local Scout Movement.Join the 5th Berwick Scouts as they celebrate their centenary with exhibitions of the building and Scouting.Refreshments available.Opening TimesSaturday: 10001600Sunday:1000160022.SPITTAL FISHING SHIELSandstell Road, Spittal, Berwick-upon-TweedThe word shiel refers to the seasonal accommodation used by fshermen or herdsmen and can be found in place names such as Galashiels and North Shields.The salmon fshing season lasts from 1st February until 30 November.The shiels were equipped with bunks and freplaces and were also used as storage for the fshing gear.Sandstell shiel is a Grade II listed building.Records of its existence go back to 1735 and it is the only surviving unmodernised example of this type of building on the Tweed.It contains an exhibition on the history of Tweed salmon fshing.Opening TimesSaturday: 10001500Sunday:1000150023.ST ANDREWS CHURCHWallace Green, Berwick-upon-Tweed, TD15 1EBThe foundation stone for this building was laid on 1858 and the church opened in 1859. This was the result of a group of worshippers getting permission from the Secession Church in Edinburgh to open a chapel in the town in 1770, at frst in a granary on Bankhill and then a year later in Golden Square. This eventually proved too small and in 1854 a new building, Wallace Green Church, was proposed. A second Church of Scotland came into being in 1879 with the amalgamation of the Low and High Meeting Houses. This became known as St Andrews Church of Scotland which moved into a new building (now demolished) in Greenside Avenue in 1897. In December 1972 the congregation of Tweedmouth Presbyterian Church of Scotland joined them. The two churches were eventually joined together to form the present congregation of St Andrews, Wallace Green in 1987.Opening TimesSaturday: 1000 1600Access InformationWheelchair access via side ramp.24.THE TOWER TOURNess Gate, Pier Road, Berwick-upon-Tweed500 years in 500 yards! Discover the archaeology, history and secrets of Berwicks medieval walls on this short-distance guided tour overlooking the River Tweed.Includes entrance to Coxons Tower and New Tower.Opening TimesSunday:Tours 1000, 1130Access InformationWalk is along surfaced paths but access to towers via some steps and uneven ground.DirectionsMeet above the Ness Gate at Pier Road on the town walls overlooking the river.