Otterburn

Otterburn is a village in Northumberland, a county in northeastern England. It is situated approximately 12 miles northwest of Newcastle upon Tyne, with the A696 road passing through it. The village has a history dating back to the medieval period, with the first recorded reference to Otterburn appearing in the 12th century.

Notably, Otterburn is known for being the location of the Otterburn battle, a significant event in the history of the northern counties of England. The battle took place in 1388 between Scottish and English forces, during the reign of King Richard II. The conflict, known as the Battle of Otterburn, resulted in the defeat of English forces, but the aftermath of the battle saw the execution of several Scottish nobles taken prisoner, leading to strained relations between the kingdoms of Scotland and England.

In terms of geography, Otterburn lies within the Northumberland National Park, a large area designated for conservation and natural heritage. The village itself is near the River Rede, which provides a scenic backdrop to the surrounding landscape. The village is home to a small number of local amenities and services, including a pub and a primary school.

Today, Otterburn remains a small village that maintains its connections to the broader region's history and cultural heritage. The area is attractive to those interested in historical sites and natural scenery, with several scheduled monuments and archaeological sites located in the immediate vicinity. While the village has seen some development and change over time, it retains much of its original character and charm.