It is believed that St Winefride’s Shrine has been a place of pilgrimage for 1300 years, following the decapitation of a young, devout, girl by a brutal chieftain in the 7th century. Where Winefride’s head came to rest, a well sprung up. On the site now is a visitor complex that includes an architecturally unique
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Eliseg’s Pillar is the broken shaft of a 9th century inscribed stone that was probably originally topped with a cross. It gives the valley and nearby Valle Crucis Abbey their names. The stone was erected by Cyngen, prince of Powys, in memory of his great-grandfather, Eliseg. Illegible now, Eliseg’s Pillar once documented the family tree
Bamburgh Castle, once home to the Anglian Kings of Northumbria, is perched on a mighty crag next to the North Sea and a wonderful beach. It is one of Northumberland’s most iconic images. The present building was heavily restored by William Armstrong, builder of Cragside, whose family still live there.
Glastonbury Tor is a magical place, with links to Celtic mythology and the legend of King Arthur. Some say this almost perfect cconical hill, rising from the Somerset levels, is the Isle of Avalon. Now topped with the roofless tower of 14th century St Michael’s church, there is evidence of other structures on the site
The Battle of Heavenfield, fought between Christian Northumbrians led by King Oswald and pagan Britons under Cadwallon took place in about 634AD. Oswald’s victory resulted in the unification of Northumbria. The site includes a small chapel dedicated to St Oswald.
