ALLENDALE, NORTHUMBERLAND

'Allendale' is a large village 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 for Newcastle 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.^[1]
The poet Philip Larkin and Monica Jones used to attend the 'tar barrel' celebrations in Allendale, when they were staying at Monica's cottage in Haydon 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 Village shop, Butchers, a First School, Middle School, Golf Course and several pubs.
Allendale was the home town of sculptor Charles Sansbury until his death in 1989.

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External links

References

1. Newell, 'The Allendale Fire Festival
Newell, Venetia, The Allendale Fire Festival in Relation to its Contemporary Social Setting, Folklore, Summer 1974, pp93-103

External links

★ Local history

★ Charles Sansbury: Sculptor