Mitford

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Mitford is a village in Wansbeck district, Northumberland. Among its attractions are the castle, the manor house and the St Mary Magdalene Church. The castle was built in the 12th century by William Bertram; by 1323 it was no longer used, and today it is in ruins. Mitford Hall was designed in 1828 to replace the 17th century manor house of which only a gatehouse survives. The church was rebuilt in 1875, but it has preserved its Norman south arcade and 13th century chancel.

Mitford is approximately 2 miles west of Morpeth, the County Town of Northumberland, but was once a far greater market place for local people. Morpeth's market soon grew in prominence and Mitford fell from grace. However, even today's loyal Mitfordians recant the old rhyme: "Mitforde was Mitforde when Morpeth was none, and Mitforde shall be Mitforde when Morpeth is gone".