Wylam

A small town nestled in the Tyne valley between Corbridge and Newcastle, built on the banks of the river Tyne. From it's bridge large salmon can be seen in late summer leaping over the weir on their way up stream to spawn.

The earliest reference to Wylam is in a record of 1158 that records that the settlement belonged to the Priory at Tynemouth. It is thought that Guy de Baliol, Lord of Bywell, gave Wylam to the Priory in 1085. The Priors of Tynemouth held lands in the village until the dissolution of the monasteries in the 16th century.

Incredibly for such a small village, it has close associations with two of the most important inventions the world has ever known.

Its place in history is assured as the birthplace of George Stephenson, the father of the railways. His birthplace cottage may still be visited and there is also a local Railway Museum for visitors to enjoy.

However, Wylam was also the home of Charles Parsons, inventor of the multi-stage steam turbine, who lived at Holeyn Hall.

Wylam Summer Fair is held during June.

George Stephenson was born in Wylam, Northumberland, 9.3 miles (15 km) west of Newcastle upon Tyne. In 1748, a wagonway—similar to a railway, but with wooden track for horse-drawn carts—had been built, running for several miles from Wylam colliery to the River Tyne. Stephenson grew up near it, and in 1802 gained employment as an engine-man at a coal mine. For the next ten years his knowledge of steam engines increased, until in 1812 he stopped operating them for a living, and started building them.

Stephenson designed his first locomotive in 1814, a travelling engine designed for hauling coal on a coal site. Named Blücher, it could haul 30 tons of coal, and was the first successful flanged-wheel adhesion locomotive: its traction depended only on the contact between its flanged wheels and the rail. Over the next five years, he built 16 more engines.

Wylam Brewery Ltd was set up in an old farm dairy near Heddon on the Wall by retirees Robin Leighton (Brewing Director) and John Boyle (Managing Director). Sadly Robin died in April 2005. His three daughters have retained an interest in the brewery.

The first brew was casked in August 2000. The brewery has been in production now for over 5 years and its beers have gained a reputation for quality and flavour, winning several awards at festivals around the UK. A good selection is usually available at the Brewery Tap, The Boathouse Wylam, and in many pubs in the region. Bottled beers are available

The Boathouse Wylam. CAMRA Pub of the Year 2001, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006