The Main Guard and Berwick's Bridges
Main Guard, Palace Street, Berwick-upon-Tweed, Northumberland, TD15 1HN
In 1682 a Main Guard building stood in front of the Town Hall. By 1725, it had moved up Marygate to a site opposite Eastern Lane. However, complaints about its location led to a new Main Guard being built in 1743 in the area in front of the former Berwick Advertiser offices at the top of Marygate. It was then dismantled in 1815 and rebuilt on its present site in Palace Green. It contains two main rooms, one for the officer of the guard and the other for soldiers. Between them is a prison cell or 'black hole' where drunks and vagrants could be locked up.
The Main Guard is now the headquarters of the Berwick Civic Society and houses various exhibitions and activities for children. This year's exhibition follows the history of Berwick's iconic bridges. The Royal Border Bridge was opened in 1850 by Queen Victoria and was the last link in the railway line between London and Edinburgh. The Royal Tweed Bridge was opened in 1928 by Edward, Prince of Wales and the Old Bridge, as it is known became passable in 1624.
Timings & Tours
- Friday 06 September:
- 1200-1600
- Saturday 07 September:
- 1200-1600
- Sunday 08 September:
- 1200-1600
- Monday 09 September:
- 1200-1600
- Tuesday 10 September:
- 1200-1600
- Thursday 12 September:
- 1200-1600
- Friday 13 September:
- 1200-1600
- Saturday 14 September:
- 1200-1600
- Sunday 15 September:
- 1200-1600
Location & directions
Main Guard, Palace Street, Berwick-upon-Tweed, Northumberland, TD15 1HN
- Directions:
- The Main Guard is just off the Walls near Wellington Terrace.
- Contact on day:
- Berwick HODS Team
- Telephone number:
- +447365800503
Booking information
- Pre-booking requirement:
- Pre-booking not required
