Shilbottle
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Shilbottle | |
  Shilbottle shown within Northumberland |
|
| Population | approx. 1,300 |
|---|---|
| OS grid reference | |
| District | Alnwick |
| Shire county | Northumberland |
| Region | North East |
| Constituent country | England |
| Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
| Post town | Alnwick |
| Postcode district | NE66 |
| Dialling code | 01665 |
| Police | Northumbria |
| Fire | Northumberland |
| Ambulance | North East |
| European Parliament | North East England |
| UK Parliament | Berwick-upon-Tweed |
| List of places: UK • England • Northumberland | |
Shilbottle (ancient name Shilbotel) is a village in Northumberland, north-east England, located 3 miles south-east of Alnwick, and 5 miles from the coast and Alnmouth. The village stands close to the A1 (Britain's longest road, connecting Edinburgh to London).
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[edit] History
Coal mining began in the district around 1728; by the end of the 18th century six shafts were operating around Blue Lodge Farm (a.k.a. Colliery Farm).[1] In the early 20th century, Shilbottle Colliery was bought for £50 by the Co-operative Wholesale Society (CWS), who upgraded the mining site: a new village of 170 houses was built, including some cottages for aged miners.[2] Furthermore, Shilbottle Colliery was the only pit in the area where workers were given a week's holiday with pay, and a pension scheme. The National Coal Board took over after the second world war; production continued until a decline in the 1970s. The pit closed in 1981, and the workforce transferred to nearby Whittle.[3]
[edit] Church
The local Anglican church of St. James was built in 1885 , at a cost of £4,000. It is in the Early English style, but stands on the site of an earlier church; the church register dates from 1681.[4]
[edit] Sign Defacement
The signs listing Shilbottle are often the subject of vandalism: vandals often change the first 'l' to a 't' to form an obscenity.
