An introduction to Thirlwall

This is the most westerly parish of Tynedale of approximately 11 square miles of forest and fell and borders Cumbria at the River Irthing. The main centres of population are the hamlet of Longbyre and the village of Gilsland, the latter being half in Cumbria and half in Northumberland.

The name Thirlwall, taken from the recently refurbished ruin of Thirlwall Castle, has two possible Old English derivations from “thel+wel”. The meaning is either “the pool by the plank bridge” or “the pool or well of Therl”. Longbyre is, as the name suggests, a long row of former colliers’ dwellings as mining was the major industry in this area and Thirlwall common contains many stone pits.

Glisland has a popular public house selling good food and drink, there is also a small post office and newsagent and has mixed dwellings including former council stock.

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 Thirlwall

Rural Property Services is not responsible for the content of external web sites