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The list below gives details of publications of immediate local interest, written by members and associates of the Society
1. OLD NEWS OF ALSTON MOOR (published by the Society)
For many years the Society's Archivist, Alastair Robertson, has written short articles on local history for the Alston Moor News Letter. The Society has published them and made them available to the general public. There are over 30 illustrated articles and they have been brought together in two booklets of 54 pages each.
These will be of great value to anyone with an interest in the unique history of Alston Moor and will also be an ideal gift give to friends who may no longer be in the area or who have family connections on the Moor.
A pack of both volumes is available for £5.75, including postage from:-
Alastair Robertson
Ashleigh House
Nenthead Road
Alston
Cumbria CA9 3SN
Telephone number 01434 381789
Cheques should be made payable to ‘ALSTON MOOR HISTORICAL SOCIETY'.
( We regret that we cannot process credit cards)
Locally copies can be purchased from any one of:-
Tourist Information Centre, Alston
Community Shop, Nenthead
Garrigill Post Office
2. HUNDY PUBLICATIONS – the Society Archivist, Alastair Robertson, has written a series of books of local interest covering –
- Whitley Castle
- The Roachburn Pit Disaster
- The Walton Family – a lead mining dynasty of the North Pennines
- Outward Bound – The diary of Edith Sparks, a young lady from Garrigill, recording the story of her journey to a new life in Australia in 1912
(for further details and ordering see here)
3. OLD ALSTON – a detailed history of Alston Town written by local historian and Society member, PETER WILKINSON using excellent photographs from his extensive collection
‘Most of the material selected for this book relates directly to the town of Alston, the most important settlement on Alston Moor and originally a major service centre for the lead industry of the North Pennine orefield. The research has examined the structure and composition of the town, looking at its streets, houses, shops and community buildings. While including much historical background information, most of the detail covers the 100 year period 1830-1930.
As well as a large selection of interesting photos, some dating back to 1868, with many copied from original prints or glass plates, the volume incorporates much useful historical detail regarding Alston Town, its past businesses and notable residents. Several Alstonians who became celebrated outside the district are included and there is a separate section on early Alston photographers and their work.'
Copies can be bought at Local Links in Alston and from the publishers, Stenlake Publishing, telephone 01290 551122 (+44 1290 551122 from overseas). Orders can also be placed via the website, http://www.stenlake.co.uk/index.htm . The cost is £13.95 and orders are usually despatched the same day. (Please note the author does not handle sales)
4. LEADGATE SCHOOL by BRIAN EDGE. This book is a detailed history of the relatively short life of the village school in Leadgate, a small mining village situated between Garrigill and Alston. The school was built by the local mining company for the benefit of the miners children, but closed with the demise of the mining industry. There are some excellent photographs and personal recollections of some villagers who still have fond memories of the school.
The author, BRIAN EDGE, is not a local man but became fascinated by the story after his daughter bought, and now lives in, the school building. The book is a must for anyone whose family lived in the area and attended the school or who knows some of the ex-pupils. Apart from the historical content, it is a most interesting social commentary of the times and conditions of the period.
Copies can be purchased at a cost of £14.74, including P&P, from the author, Brian Edge, at :-
48 Woodside Avenue
Wistaston
Crewe
CW2 8AN
5. DEADLOCK AND DELIVERANCE by TOM MOSS – this is a riveting tale of intrigue and betrayal played out by the Border Reivers, covering the capture and escape of the notorious Scottish Reiver, Kinmont Willie. Full details of the book and how it can be ordered can be found on the most informative website, www.reivershistory.co.uk . The author can be contacted by email, firethebraes@aol.com or at Rose Cottage, Walton, Brampton, Cumbria CA8 2DH .The cost of the book is £16.99 – P&P free.
