United Reform Church

The United Reformed Church was founded by the Rev. Reid of St Paul's Congregational Church, Westgate Hill, Newcastle upon Tyne following a stay in Rothbury in 1835.

Originally situated at the west end of the  village (You will pass it if you follow the trail) it was opened for public worship in 1840. However within fifty years it became apparent that a newer and larger building was required. 

 In 1893 Lord Armstrong offered a site for the new building. To make way for the new church a 17th century house with a grey stone slate roof and mullion windows was demolished. This interesting old house once belonged to the Donkin family of Tosson and the door lintel was inscribed with the date "D 1690 D". It is thought that Lord Armstrong may have inherited this house from Armorer Donkin with whom he was once in partnership.  

This present building situated at the south west corner of the village green was opened for worship in May 1896 at a cost of £1,497.

In 1993 the building was extensively altered and refurbished, transforming a rather bleak Victorian chapel into the attractive and welcoming place of worship it is today. Improvements at that time included the provision of a meeting room. a coffee bar, disabled persons' toilet, new heating and new carpets.

Part of the United Reformed Church since 1972, the church has shared a minister with Thropton URC for many years. The "parish" now extends throughout upper Coquetdale, and through upper Redesdale to Carter Bar on the Scottish Border.

Behind is an interesting terrace known as Model Buildings because they represented 'state of the art'  workers' housing of the 1890s, built for the estate foremen.

Nearby on the corner of the Maltings stood the Old Manor House. Nothing much is known of its history other than it was reputed to have a tunnel leading from its cellars to the church. Now a pleasant housing development, following the demolition of the Bus Station the Maltings was once an area much feared in the village. Some still remember being forbidden to frequent this area as children.

Passing Well Strand, (noting the original cobbled footpath and roadway) walk towards the Police Station above which is the Coquetdale Arts Centre past the white house formerly the Star Inn to Coquet House formerly known as the  Cottage hospital.