Allen Valleys Local History Group is active in researching and recording the history of the dales of the East and West Allen, two rivers that join near Cupola Bridge and flow on towards the South Tyne.
The group aims to share knowledge, information and skills as widely as possible.
We welcome new members, hearing about their historical research, and discussing new ideas for talks and activities. Why not come along to our next meeting and enjoy up to 65% discounted entry?
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See the News & Events page or check out our AllenValleysHistory Facebook group for details.
Allen Valleys Local History group was formed in 2015 after a talk on the mining history of the North Pennines. Archive film footage of Allenheads was screened and local people shared displays relating to various interests in local history. They decided that the ‘getting together’ and sharing should continue.
Regular collaboration since then has seen talks and activities on topics as diverse as bastles, lead-smelting, Jacobite rebels and New Year’s Eve guising.
The group is proud to follow – and build upon – the footsteps of the Allendale Historical Society, which did much valuable work on local history in the 1980s and 1990s. Some of their work is accessible in the local history archive.
External visits have taken place to local country houses and explored features on Hadrian’s Wall. Volunteers have formed various research groups and collaborated with the local primary school.