Welcome to the kingdom of Northumbria

In the wild northlands, where the wind howls like wolves and the skies stretch forever, lies the mysterious Kingdom of Northumbria. A land of monks, monsters, and mighty kings. 

Formed from the joining of Bernicia and Deira, Northumbria was a kingdom of contrast, with fiery ambition and icy calm, fierce warriors and gentle scholars. Its greatest king, Oswald the Lightbringer, was said to have been chosen by ravens and crowned beneath a falling star. 

Northumbria’s warriors defended the realm from sea raiders and shadowy beasts, said to dwell beyond Hadrian’s Wall, but its monks and mystics lit the world with learning. 

To be Northumbrian is to be strong in silence, clever in chaos, and loyal to the land……..no matter the cost. 

10 fun facts for Northumbria 

Covers: Yorkshire, Northumberland, County Durham, Tyne and Wear

1. Northumbria once stretched across the entire north of England — it was the biggest Saxon kingdom! 
2. You can visit Bamburgh Castle, once the stronghold of Northumbrian kings, perched on a cliff. 
3. The Lindisfarne Gospels, a masterpiece of Saxon art, were made on Holy Island off the coast. 
4. Hadrian’s Wall, built by the Romans, was used as a border by Saxons too. 
5. The Saxon saint Cuthbert is still remembered with pilgrimages and festivals.
6. You can still explore the ancient monastery ruins at Whitby, where Saxon scholars met.
7. Some of the UK’s oldest churches, like Escomb Church, were built in Northumbria. 
8. Northumbrian kings had pet falcons and wolves……the wild north was full of fierce animals.
9. Modern places like Newcastle and Durham were once key Saxon towns.
10. The northern lights (Aurora Borealis) can sometimes be seen here, Saxons believed they were messages from the gods.