About Us

In a period of extraordinary intellectual development and creativity in the seventh and eighth centuries, the Angle kingdom of Northumbria (UK) became the cradle of English Christianity, culture and language. It was on of the most influential states in Europe, producing churchmen, writers and artists who helped shape the world in which we have lived for the past 1000 years and whose influence is still with us today.

Now Britain is entering a period of change. In Scotland and Wales, the flags are waving high. But English national culture lacks any guiding spirit - for too long its standard has been left withering in the hands of London and the Home Counties.

Against this background, the Northumbrian Association has been created. We use the term Northumbria to apply to North East England from the valley of the Tees to the Tweed. The association is a registered charity which embraces those of all political pursuasions who share the belief that Northumbrian culture must be maintained and advanced. We believe that moving our historic culture into the mainstream of regional life can play a vital role in regeneration, as it has done for others from Catalonia to Norway.

Within months of our formation an All Party Group of the Northumbrian Association has been formed in the House of Commons to represent these views at the highest level. Our regional culture is one of the greatest in Europe. Let us join together, tell the world about it and put this great region back on the map. After all, this is where England was born. We take Tennyson's words as our guide:

"Love thou thy land, with love far-brought
From out the storied past and used
Within the present, but transfused
Thro' future time by power of thought"

Who We Are

Our major commitment is to continue our campaign for the return of the Lindisfarne Gospels to their rightful home in the North East. They were created by Eadfrith in the 9th Century in Honour of God and St. Cuthbert, and to remain in the resting place in St. Cuthbert. They were taken from Durham Cathedral by the order of King Henry VIII, and eventually came into possesion of The British Library in London. We will never give up our campaign until they are restored to the North East. For more information on the Gospels click here, or visit the 'Lindisfarne Gospels' section.

Among other activities, we have annual walk on the 20th March (anniversary of St. Cuthbert's Day) from St. Mary and St. Cuthbert's parish church in Chester-le-street to Durham Cathedral, via the River Wear, and Finchale Abbey - the root that St. Cuthbert took.

We organise the presentation of the annual awards to two worthy recipients of the 'Hotspur Award for Bold Endeveour'. There awards go to a person or a corporate body for outstanding achievement in our Northumbrian area.

An annual award goes to 'Young Writers' attending our North East schools. The targeted children for this competion are 10 to 11 year olds throughout the region. Subject matter targets poetry, verse, or essays or historical and cultural landmarks, buildings, or famous Northumbrians in our heritage. Standards achieved are quite remarkable.

Our Aims

To promote, both at home and abroad, knowledge, understanding and appreciation of Northumbria’s distinctive regional culture, traditions and identity;

To restore the iconic Lindisfarne Gospels to their home in the North-East;

To promote St. Cuthbert as our Patron Saint and annually celebrate his Feast Day, 20th. March

To encourage young people to have pride in their region and share this with others through the Young Writers Award