History

A Short History of Longframlington

Longframlington, in the county of Northumberland, is a village with deep roots and a varied past. Nestled along the A697 between Morpeth and Wooler, it occupies a position on the south-facing slope of the Coquet valley, which has made it a favourable settlement location for millennia.

Early and Medieval Periods

There is evidence that humans have used the area around Longframlington for many thousands of years — rock-art on boulders in the parish suggests very ancient activity.
In Roman times, a branch of the Roman road system known as the Devil’s Causeway passed close to the western edge of the village.
During the medieval period, the manor of Longframlington came under the Eslington family. By the reign of Henry VIII, the family line had become extinct and the estate was sold.
The parish church of St Mary the Virgin was built around 1190 by Walter de Framlington, originally as a chapel-of-ease to Felton. It remained part of that parish until 1891 when Longframlington became its own parish. The church retains its fine Norman chancel arch — a legacy of its 12th-century origins.

Industrial and Agricultural Development

Longframlington has always had strong agricultural roots, thanks to its favourable location. Over the centuries quarrying and iron-smelting were also important local industries.
In the 19th and early 20th centuries, coal-mining became significant: Framlington Colliery once provided local employment before closing in the early 20th century.
The village expanded during the 19th century, as new houses, shops, and services developed along the Front Street and A697 corridor.

20th Century to the Present Day

In the 20th century Longframlington took on a more residential character, with many residents commuting to other parts of Northumberland or into the Tyneside area.
Housing growth continued from the 1970s onward, especially west of the A697. Since 2013 around 140 new homes have been built, with permissions for further development under the Neighbourhood Plan.
Despite these changes, the village retains its strong community spirit, local shops and pubs, and historic buildings such as Embleton Hall (built in 1730), which anchor the heritage of the parish.

Landscape and Heritage

Longframlington’s hill-top position gives it wide-ranging views north over Longframlington Common, west towards the Simonside Hills and the Northumberland National Park, and south into the Coquet Valley.
The landscape is highly valued by residents and features prominently in local planning and conservation work.
Among the listed heritage landmarks is the village “pant” — a stone lion drinking fountain created in 1911 to commemorate the coronation of George V and Queen Mary.

Sources and References

Northumberland County Council – Longframlington Community History
The Co-Curate North East (Newcastle University)
Northumberland County Council – Longframlington Neighbourhood Plan (2021)
Wikipedia: Longframlington and Embleton Hall