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The History
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ROYAL ARMS Above the main gate of Berwick Barracks are the resplendent arms of George I, in whose reign the barracks were built.
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Berwick Barracks The main buildings of Ravensdowne Barracks, the first purpose-built barracks in the United Kingdom, date from 1721, before which the garrison troups were accommodated in inns and private houses. The design has been attributed to Sir John Vanbrugh, architect of Blenheim Palace and Castle Howard. Barracks open all year, Tues - Sun. Admission charge. Tel (01289) 304493
Museum and Art Gallery open all year, Mon - Sat. Admission charge. Tel (01289) 330933
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The Regimental Museum Raised by the Duke of Leven in 1689 under the name of King's Own Borderes, the regiment in 1887 added "Scottish" to its title - and thus acquired the nickname of "The Kosbies". The regiment's original purpose was to defend Edinburgh against supporters of the exiled James II, a threat that ceased after William and Mary of Orange became sovereigns of Scotland. The regiment's museum in the Berwick Barracks includes an impressive display of weapons, medals, uniforms, silver and other treasures of the regiment. Regimental Museum open all year, Mon - Fri and am Sat. Amission charge. Tel (01289) 307426
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BATTLE HONOUR The Culloden medal in Berwick Barracks marks the role of the 25th Regiment of Foot in the battle of 1746.
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Officer 1745
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Sergeant Major 1768
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Fifer 1770
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Drummer 1792
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RANK AND FILE Splendid uniforms for soldiers of all ranks are on parade in the museum's collection of 18th-century portraits.
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SYMBOLIC BEAST A chained bear and tree form part of the town arms, on a lampshade in the Town Hall.
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The Town Hall Marygate is a broad thoroughfare which functions as a lively market place twice a week. At its foot stands the Town Hall, originally an 18th century Guildhall with a 150 dt steeple and clock tower, from which a curfew bell is still rung at 8 o'clock every evening. Its market arcade has been filled in to accommodate modern craft and tourist goods. A trap door in the bell tower was used to haul drunken prisoners up to the first-floor gaol; other prisoners were shackled to the walls awaiting transportation to Botany Bay.
Town Hall tours, open Easter - Sept, Mon - Fri; also Sat in Aug. Admission free. Tel (01289) 330900
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DELINQUENT DOODLINGS Sailors gaoled for drunkenness in the Town Hall gaol scratched drawings of their craft on their cell walls.
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NOTEWORTHY NOTE A delicately engraved vignette of Berwick Bridge appears on a Twenty Pound note of 1829, issued by the Tweed Bank and on display in the Town Hall
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Berwick Parish Church The Church of The Holy Trinity and Saint Mary is the most northerly church of the established Church of England.
Built during Oliver Cromwell’s Commonwealth and noted for its Presbyterian style of architecture. |
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Some history:-
1641 - Charles I granted permission
1650 - Stone used came from Berwick Castle with Colonel George Fenwick credited as the founder.
1652 to 1657 - Opened for worship, even though incomplete.
1662 - Consecrated on 6th July by the Bishop of Durham. The minister, Luke Ogle was unable to accept the Act of Uniformity and required to leave.
1672 - The vicar, John Smithson, was hanged for the murder of his wife.
1773 - The organ installed and opened 15th August.
1855 - Extensive restoration
1893 - Reredos screens installed, the work of Sir Edwin Lutyens.
1905 - Electric lighting installed
1980 - The Lady Chapel screened off.
1986 - Berwick Parish Church Trust established.
1989 - Saint Mary’s Parish Church joined Holy Trinity and renamed The Church of The Holy Trinity and Saint Mary.
2000 - Coldstream Guards lay up their colours 25th July.
2002 - Three hundred and fiftieth anniversary
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BERWICK PARISH CHURCH Unique Cromwellian Parish Church Founded in 1650
Stained glass window
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Berwick's "Open Doors day"
This is when, once a year in September, the public get to see inside Berwick's most secret places. This is The Magazine, used to hold hundreds of pounds of gunpowder for Berwick's many cannon's. The walls are heavily buttressed which, in the event of an explosion would blow the roof skyhigh and walls would stay intact.
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Friends of Berwick Parish Church Trust
Contact :-
The Vicarage, The Parade, Berwick-upon-Tweed, TD15 1DFThe Tourist Information Centre is in Castlegate Car Park, Tel (01289) 330733 |
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