Morpeth, Northumberland

Morpeth is a small market town in Northumberland, England. It is on the River Wansbeck, which flows east through the town. The town is a mile from the A1, which bypasses it. It is the administrative centre both of Castle Morpeth borough and of the County of Northumberland. In the 2001 census the town had a population of 13,834. However, the town itself is used by many people from across Southern Northumberland.

The town prospered in the 12th century, when it was granted market status by King John.

The town has notable historic importance within Northumberland. Its historical landmarks include a free-standing 17th century clock tower, a grand town hall designed originally by Sir John Vanburgh, a 13th century chapel called "The Chantry" which now is the base for Morpeth's tourist information centre and the Georgian home of Admiral Lord Collingwood. The town also obtains a castle, but only the gatehouse and parts of the ruined castle walls remain. Today the town and the county's history and culture is celebrated at the annual Northumbrian Gathering, held in the town.

Today the town is a thriving local centre. It is a commuter town for Newcastle upon Tyne, and benefits from excellent transport links. The A1, which bypasses the town, provides a fast link to Edinburgh (2 hours) and Newcastle (twenty minutes), while its railway station has direct trains to London taking a little over three hours. The school facilities are also highly rated, with the local state school - King Edward VI High School (Granted a grammar school charter in 1552 by King Edward VI) recently gained Beacon and Leading Edge status in 2003 and 2004 respectively.

Sport is popular in the town too - Morpeth Town F.C., Morpeth RUFC, the cricket, hockey and tennis club and the golf club all play competitively. The Morpeth Harriers cater for those wishing to compete in athletics. The town also offers opportunities to play sport on a non-competitive basis through facilities such as Carlisle Park, the common and the leisure centre.

Tourism is growing. The town's Chantry Craft Centre houses a bagpipe Museum. Carlisle Gardens include the William Turner Physic Garden. There is a leisure centre, good sports facilities, and speciality shopping.

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Major settlements in Northumberland
Alnwick \| Ashington \| Bamburgh \| Bedlington \| Berwick-upon-Tweed \| Blyth \| Cramlington \| Haltwhistle Hexham \| Morpeth \| Newbiggin-by-the-Sea \| Ponteland \| Prudhoe \| Rothbury \| Seahouses \| Wooler