While in Alnwick, I went to a fascinating museum "Balliffgate Museum", and it contained a wealth of local history and items discovered around Northumberland. The area of Northumberland has been settled since the end of the last ice age 13,000 years ago. One of the popular finds - Howick Hut - contained finds from around 8000 BC. It is the oldest house in Northumberland and was escavated in 2000. Neolithic and Bronze Age "cup and ring" markings were discovered in the area as well as Iron Age hill forts. The 7th and 8th centuries was golden age for Northumberland with the Lindisfarne Gospels. Northumberland also is known for the Vikings raids as they often visited and fought over the the lands.
The Magna Carta also has its birth in Northumberland due to individuals in Northumberland challenging those in power.
In addition to the historical elements, the Viking Centre has put together and exhibition upstairs with Viking-realted items and a small interactive area aimed at bringing history alive to children.
Several Viking items were shown.
In addition to the older history, modern history also played a part. There were different exhibitions and displays about the local area on display. One was a classroom set up, and the other one was a printer shop set up with an old printing press.
The basement held an exhibition on coal mining.
The museum itself costs a small entry fee, and there are many different areas to spend time looking around.
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