The Story of Bywell

Lord Allendale’s son, The Hon. Wentworth Beaumont, who provided the foreword to the book, spoke at the launch event and congratulated Robert on its publication.

He said: “I have always considered myself extraordinarily lucky to have grown up at Bywell. It is a magical place, combining outstanding natural beauty with a long and fascinating history.

“Virtually every part of Bywell – from the river, the two churches, the castle, the hall, the parkland with its majestic oak trees, and the woodland that surrounds so much of the land, has a story to tell.

“Bywell has evolved over the centuries, and yet, despite the extraordinary changes so brilliantly documented in this book, it has remained, at heart, a secluded patch of arcadia, untouched by the modern world.

“I am so pleased Robert has recorded the story of Bywell so fastidiously. It is certainly enhanced my understanding of the place where I grew up, and I hope it will be enjoyed by many others and for years to come.”

Robert, who lived all his working life in Northumberland and now lives in Perth, added: “It has been a great honour to spend the last ten years researching and compiling a book on this fascinating place.

“On becoming Licensed Lay Minister for the parishes of Bywell, Stocksfield and Mickley, my interest was sparked first in St Peter’s Church, then in the other significant buildings at Bywell.

“Lockdown provided the opportunity for me to gather the fragments I had already placed on a website, conduct further research and try to knit it all together into a story of the whole landscape.

“I hope that others will enjoy learning about Bywell’s significance and perhaps take up the challenge of solving some of the unanswered questions that still exist.”

The book is priced at £9.95 and is available from local book shops, Stocksfield Village Store, and online at www.thenorthumbrian.co.uk and www.northern-heritage.co.uk