- Allendale, Northumberland
infobox UK place
country = England
official_name= Allendale
latitude= 54.8961
longitude= -2.2565
population = 809
shire_district=Tynedale
region= North East England
shire_county =Northumberland
constituency_westminster= Hexham
post_town= HEXHAM
postcode_district = NE47
postcode_area= NE
dial_code= 01434
os_grid_reference= NY835557Allendale (or Allendale Town as it is often marked on maps) is a large village or small town in south west
Northumberland ,England . The local economy is predominantly based on agriculture (notably sheep farming) and tourism, although of late it has become a popular commuter town forNewcastle upon Tyne .The town is famous for a New Year celebration where lighted tar barrels are carried on the heads of revellers called "guisers". This tradition dates back to 1858. Its appears to have originated from the lighting of a silver band that were carolling at New Year. They were unable to use candles to light their music due to the strong winds, so someone suggested a tar barrel be used. Having to move from place to place, it would have been easiest to carry the barrels upon the guisers heads, rather than rolling them. There have been claims that it is a pagan festival, however, these claims are unfounded. [Newell, 'The Allendale Fire Festival]
The poet
Philip Larkin andMonica Jones used to attend the 'Tar barrel' celebrations in Allendale, when they were staying at Monica's cottage inHaydon Bridge ; they were certainly there in 1966 and again in 1970 and 1976. Larkin was, rather uncharacteristically, thrilled by it all.The town also hosts a Health Centre, Village shop, Post Office, Co-Op, Brewery, Butchers, 2 Churches, Chemist, Gift Shop, Tea-Room, Art-Cafe, Library, a First School, Middle School, Golf Course, Caravan Park (holiday static caravans), Taxi & Bus operator and several pubs. There is an active [http://www.allendalevillagehall.org.uk/main/ village hall] which hosts regular events.
Allendale was the home town of sculptor Charles Sansbury until his death in 1989.
The village was the all-England winner of the [http://www.VillageOfTheYear.org/ 2007 Calor Village of The Year competition] , while the Co-Op was named "North-East Rural Retailer of the Year".
The parish around Allendale has two particularly useful websites: [http://www.AllenValleys.co.uk/ the Allen Valleys Community website] and [http://www.VisitAllenValleys.com/ the Allen Valleys touristic website] .
References
External links
* [http://www.durham.gov.uk/durhamcc/K2P.nsf/K2PDetail?readform&PRN=N12979 Local history]
* [http://www.charles-sansbury.co.uk/ Charles Sansbury: Sculptor]
Wikimedia Foundation. 2010.
