Hadrian Lodge is surrounded by places of historic interest. Perched high on a crag for almost two thousand years, Housesteads Roman Fort (four miles) was once garrisoned by over a thousand soldiers.

Nearby Vindolanda (three miles) has a reconstructed section of Roman Wall. The superbly preserved Vindolanda tablets discovered here were recently voted Britain's greatest National Treasure in a BBC poll. The on-site museum displays many of these remarkable artefacts and other interesting finds.

Nearby is the site of the battle of Heavenfield (12 miles), where in the 7th Century the Anglo-Saxon king of Ancient Northumbria, King Oswald won a famous victory over the Celts.

In fact, battlefields abound throughout the area as the English and Scots fought over centuries and the border moved position several times.

The beautiful Saxon abbey at Hexham is another of the region's treasures. It was partly destroyed in raids by the Scots. Hexham was always a target for such destructive raids, including one by the Scottish leader, William Wallace, whose life was detailed in the Hollywood film 'Braveheart'.

During the Middle Ages this part of Northumberland was infamous for being beyond the control of either crown. It was controlled by warring families of brigands and outlaws. The antics of these Border Reivers or "Moss Troopers" as they were also known led to the fortification of many buildings which bear testament to this turbulent past.

Hindshield Moss, the rolling open pasture bordered by pine forest, where Hadrian Lodge sits, would have been in the heart of this dangerous territory. Despite today's peaceful rural setting, it is still possible to feel the echoes of these unruly times.

To book your stay or speak to the manager or one of our helpful staff ring 01434 684 867 or email Hadrian Lodge

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