Allenheads

Allenheads

Allenheads
Allenheads
 Allenheads shown within Northumberland
OS grid referenceNY855455
Unitary authorityNorthumberland
Ceremonial countyNorthumberland
RegionNorth East
CountryEngland
Sovereign stateUnited Kingdom
Post town HEXHAM
Postcode district NE47
Dialling code 01434
Police Northumbria
Fire Northumberland
Ambulance North East
EU Parliament North East England
UK ParliamentHexham
List of places
UK
England
Northumberland

Coordinates: 54°48′14″N 2°13′37″W / 54.804°N 2.227°W / 54.804; -2.227

Allenheads is a village in Northumberland, England, situated in the Pennines to the north of Weardale. Allenheads is situated 8 miles further along the river East Allen from Allendale. Being a former lead mining community, it is widely believed that it would not have existed if it wasn't for the industry, it being too high for other types of settlement.

The village currently hosts The Hemmel (café), Allenheads Contemporary Arts (www.acart.org.uk) The Allenheads Inn and the Heritage Centre.

A Lada Samara car in Allenheads, photographed in England - December 1992

The Highforest Show is held on the first Saturday of September each year. The show is a community event, organised by a local committee, and allows the village to showcase its various talents. Each year there is usually a quoits competition, dog show and children's attractions and stalls.

Governance

Allenheads is in the parliamentary constituency of Hexham.


Economy

In the 21st century agriculture and tourism provide income. But this community was built on lead mining. It was one of the prime North Pennine mines and when it shut in 1896 this was a devastating blow to the community.[1] The British Steel Corporation reopened the mine as the Beaumont Mine in the 1970s but this was not a success. Fluorspar was then being sought.[2]

Landmarks

It is the location of a preserved William Armstrong, 1st Baron Armstrong of Elswick, Tyne and Wear hydraulic engine. This had been located in the Sawmill.[3] It is now located in a purpose made exhibition hall in the village centre.[4] Several hydraulic engines of this make were installed at the mine here. Drawings of another one still exist.[5]

References

  1. ↑ http://www.dmm.org.uk/colliery/a907.htm
  2. ↑ http://www.ukminingventures.com/WeardaleMines.htm Section on Allenheads (Beaumont) Mine.
  3. ↑ http://www.bing.com/images/search?q=armstrong+hydraulic+engine&id=2373872E3DA4F4A89A005DABE5EACFA8BF499665&FORM=IQFRBA#view=detail&id=84507FAB1BD7658C6EFA515A6F7898B5CAB3E066&selectedIndex=10
  4. ↑ http://s0.geograph.org.uk/photos/70/72/707204_d4454296.jpg
  5. ↑ http://www.aditnow.co.uk/documents/Allenheads-Lead-Mine/Microsoft-Word-Document1.pdf

External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Allenheads.
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