Berwick-Upon-Tweed: Three Places, Two nations, One Town

Berwick-upon-Tweed: three places, two nations, one town, the latest title in the critically acclaimed English Heritage Informed Conservation series of illustrated books. English Heritage today (15 July 2009) launched Berwick-upon-Tweed: three places, two nations, one town, the latest title in the critically acclaimed English Heritage Informed Conservation series of illustrated books. The book, by English Heritage experts and with input from independent specialists and local people, is a celebration of this unique and distinctive town and a fascinating examination of the history and geography which have contributed to its development.  It highlights how an understanding of the historic buildings and varied landscapes of Berwick, Tweedmouth and Spittal, is essential to the area's conservation and future.

Launching the book Dr Simon Thurley, English Heritage Chief Executive, said: "Towns are among the most impressive, intricate and enduring human achievements. Meeting present needs and planning for the future, while respecting the character and significance of what the past has left behind, is a considerable challenge and a characteristically modern dilemma. This book, and the extensive research that went into it, illustrates Berwick's magnificent history. Our hope is that, as part of English Heritage's contribution to the Berwick's Future regeneration project, it will help promote the town and its heritage and will inform decisions to ensure that Berwick's past is forever entwined with the future of the town."

A place where kings of both England and Scotland have been crowned, Berwick is shaped by a peculiar combination of historic and geographic circumstances and regularly attracts visitors and new residents captivated by its charm. The town is host to one of England's earliest purpose-built infantry barracks, to castle ruins dating back to 1160, the magnificent Royal Border Bridge built by Robert Stephenson and the contrasting landscapes of the North Sea and the River Tweed.

Adam Menuge, English Heritage Senior Architectural Investigator and co-author of the book with Catherine Dewar, English Heritage Historic Areas Adviser for the North East, said: "Berwick is one of England's most remarkable and rewarding historic towns, its personality boldly etched in its fortifications, buildings and streets. This book explores how the town was forged in the enmity of two warlike nations and how it grew to encompass three places, each with its own distinctive character. It is a book about understanding the past, but it is also a book about making the right choices for the future."

Berwick has turned its attention to the future and English Heritage, as part of the Berwick's Future Steering Group, is helping to ensure that the town's historic legacy plays a leading role in its unfolding story.  Following consultation with local people a regeneration strategy has been prepared, identifying options for development across the Berwick, Tweedmouth and Spittal areas.  The aim is to encourage economic and social change which will, over the next 20 years, create a more competitive, distinctive and well-connected town and borough that is enterprising, ambitious and inclusive.

Councillor Isabel Hunter, Chair of Berwick's Future Partnership, who worked alongside other partners to prepare the Berwick book said: "This book presents something of the wealth of historic interest encapsulated in Berwick, Tweedmouth and Spittal, and explains how these places came to assume such varied and distinctive forms. Above all, it urges that a town anxious for stability and prosperity should know where it has come from as well as where it is going. There is a bright future ahead as we move forward through the Berwick's Future Regeneration programme ensuring we take everybody with us. Whether a local resident or visitor to Berwick, I would encourage everybody to read this fascinating book."