Heddon-on-the-Wall
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Heddon-on-the-Wall is a village just outside Throckley, Northumberland, England, located on Hadrian's Wall. Heddon-On-The-Wall is roughly 9 miles form the centre of Newcastle-Upon-Tyne.
[edit] About Heddon on the Wall
Heddon on the Wall was brought to the attention of the nation when it was revealed in February 2001 that the recent outbreak of Foot-and-mouth disease originated from a farm in the village. This severely affected Heddon on the Walls primary industry which is agriculture. Over the years however other industries have existed in Heddon on the Wall. These include salmon fishing in the river Tyne, coal mining, the quarrying of sandstone and limestone and brick making
Heddon on the Wall grew up around Hexham Road which until 1971 was the main road from Newcastle to Hexham. The A69 bypassed Heddon on the Wall which runs from Newcastle to Carlisle Passing Hexham. Heddon on the Wall benefits from its proximity to the A69 but is more popular with retired people rather than commuters due to its lack of a railway station which its close neighbour Wylam benefits from.
Heddon on the Wall attracts many tourists passing through on tours of Hadrian’s wall. Heddon on the Wall contains the longest section on unbroken wall at its original and planned width (most sections were not built to the full width to save time and money). Heddon on the Wall benefits from two public houses, The Three Tuns and The Swan Inn. The Swan Inn is very popular with visiting tourists due to its proximity to Hadrian’s Wall.
Saint Andrews church is located opposite the Swan Inn and parts of it date back to 680AD (Saxon). The oldest parts of Saint Andrew's are still visible in some of the walls of the chancel behind the choir stalls. The original stone structure was built using recycled stone from Hadrian’s Wall. Before Saint Andrews church was built it is believed that the site was used for pagan ceremonies so the location has always been of religious significance.