subject: A look at Lesbury, Northumberland [print this page] Lesbury is a small village located in Northumberland. Set in the coastal plain just 3 miles southeast of the town of Alnwick it is situated on the north bank of the river Aln and has a long history of settlement dating back to the 1100s, and even earlier to Saxon times. Records show that the church of St. Mary was built on a Saxon site prior to 1147 when it was first registered. Over the centuries the building has undergone many alterations with the majority of the restoration taking place in the 19th century - overseen by Anthony Salvin, an architect employed by the Fourth Duke of Northumberland. Lesbury itself stands within the lands of the Duke of Northumberland and the Percy family. Lesbury House was in fact a former property of the Percy family. By the end of the 13th Century Lesbury was recorded as having 13 inhabitants eligible to pay tax. There were no great landmarks or wealth in the village at that time and Lesbury escaped the worst of the border warfare that plagued Northumberland for centuries. The village created its first school in 1718 when Henry Strother donated a piece of land and the costs for the building of a schoolroom and master's house. By 1897 the village had expanded and was home to a reading room with a large library of more than 500 volumes, a working corn mill and was also home to the landowners hounds - who was Earl Percy. Today, Lesbury is popular with locals and tourists alike. Just half a mile from Hipsburn railway station and located on the main coastal route - the village has maintained its charm while increasing its accessibility. The coach Inn is the public house for the village and is very popular, and residents enjoy outdoor bowling in the summer months. Nearby Ratcheugh also hosts the annual point-to-point races. If you'd like to visit Lesbury in Northumberland we can recommend staying at Tide View - a beautiful Northumberland Holiday Cottage.
