An introduction to Ovingham

The smallest parish in Tynedale has an area of less than one square mile, the probable derivation of the village’s name is from the Old English “Offa+ing+tun” meaning “homestead of the family or followers of Offa”.

The parish church of St Mary the Virgin has a ninth century tower, the remainder of the church dates from some four centuries later. The village has a medieval packhorse bridge spanning the Whittle Burn and a second more modern narrow steel “Bailey” bridge spans the Tyne to connect with Prudhoe on the south bank.

Ovingham boasts a care home, childminders and nursery groups, a Women's Institute and a county first and middle school. The village has a small store and post office and the mobile library visits at least fortnightly. Housing stock is varied ranging from traditional stone built, former colliers’ and mine owners’ dwellings to brick built post-war estates. There are several inns producing good refreshment and food..

Every third Saturday in June, the villagers stage the Ovingham Goose Fair which can be traced back to the 13th century. The fair is renowned for Northumbrian music, traditions and fare. Nowadays the presence of geese at the fair is purely ceremonial.

Selected Links

• The Hexham Courant [http://www.hexham-courant.co.uk/]
• Northumberland County Council [http://www.northumberland.gov.uk]
• Northumberland Tourist Board [http://www.ntb.org.uk]

Local Information Categories for Ovingham

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