Besides great sights, an interesting history and many exciting destinations, Whickham has a lot more to offer. Here you will find many helpful tips to enjoy your vacation in Whickham.
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Sights in Whickham
Whickham is a town in Gateshead, Tyne and Wear, England. It is situated on the south side of the River Tyne, just east of Newcastle upon Tyne. The town’s name is thought to derive from the Old English hwic meaning “dwelling place” or “village”.
The first recorded mention of Whickham is in the 11th century when it was spelled Wicham. It appears in the Boldon Book, a survey of land in County Durham carried out in 1138, as a free manor granted to Gilbert de Tillus by Bishop Flambard of Durham. By 1293, the manor was owned by the Hilton family and in 1545 it came into the possession of the Crown.
In the 18th century, Whickham became a coal mining town with many pits in operation. The collapse of the local coal industry in the early 20th century brought severe economic problems to the town.
Today, Whickham is a quiet residential town with a population of around 16,000. The main street, Front Street, is lined with 18th century houses. The Parish Church of St. Mary the Virgin, located in the centre of the town, dates from the 14th century.
There are several parks and open spaces in Whickham including Glebe Park, Whickham Local Nature Reserve and Whickham Thorns Country Park. The town is also home to Designer Outlet Village, a popular shopping destination.
History of Whickham
Whickham is a town in the Metropolitan Borough of Gateshead, in Tyne and Wear, England. Whickham was originally a village in County Durham. It is situated southwest of Gateshead, and is separated from Swalwell by the River Tyne. The population of Whickham at the 2011 Census was 13,064.
The name “Whickham” is AngloSaxon, and means “the village on the bend of the river”. The river here means the River Tyne, which bends at this point. The village grew up on the north side of the river, on the steep banks. In those days, the Tyne was a much broader and shallower river than it is today. The village was first mentioned in about 1180, when it was called Wykeham.
The village grew slowly but steadily through the centuries. By the 19th century, it was a thriving market town, with a population of over 4,000. It had a wool industry, and there were coal mines in the area.
In 1974, Whickham was incorporated into the new Metropolitan Borough of Gateshead.
The parish church of Saint Paul’s dates from the 13th century, though it was largely rebuilt in the 19th century. The church tower, which is all that remains of the original church, is one of the tallest in County Durham, at over 80 feet (24 m) high.
Whickham has a number of other places of worship, including several Methodist churches, a Roman Catholic church, and a synagogue.
There are several schools in the town, including Whickham School, which is a comprehensive school for pupils aged 11–18.
Whickham is twinned with the German town of Geldern.
Vacation in Whickham
Whickham is a town located in the Metropolitan Borough of Gateshead, in Tyne and Wear, England. Historically part of County Durham, it is situated on the south bank of the River Tyne, 8 miles (13 km) southeast of Newcastle upon Tyne city centre.
The town’s name is derived from the Old English hwicce ham, literally “dairy farm on a hillside”. recorded in 1166 as Wykeham.
Etymologists believe the name to be coined by Viking settlers due to the convenient location of the town on the River Tyne, and its proximity to the open sea.
Today, Whickham is a bustling town with a population of over 20,000 people. It has a variety of shops, pubs and restaurants, as well as a number of schools and parks.
Whickham is also home to a number of historical attractions, such as the 12th century St. Nicholas Church, and Beamish Museum, which is an openair museum dedicated to the history of the North East of England.
Whickham is an ideal base for exploring the North East of England. It is within easy reach of Newcastle upon Tyne, Durham and Sunderland, as well as the beautiful Northumberland coastline.
There are a number of walking and cycling routes in and around Whickham, making it the perfect place to enjoy the outdoors. The River Tyne also provides opportunities for fishing, canoeing and kayaking.
For those looking for a more urban break, Whickham is only a short train journey from Newcastle upon Tyne, where you can enjoy the city’s shops, restaurants and nightlife.
So whatever your interests, Whickham has something to offer everyone. Come and explore this historic town and discover its hidden charms for yourself.
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