Competition Short List

The story behind the nomination.

We are thrilled to announce that Cragend Farm is Shortlisted for National Competition Everyday History Heroes 2026

We Need Your Vote! 

We are delighted to announce that Cragend Farm has been shortlisted for the prestigious Everyday History Heroes 2026 awards, run by Find my past in association with Heritage Open Days. 

Being shortlisted is a wonderful recognition of the work our volunteer team has been doing to uncover, preserve and share the hidden stories of Northumberland's past.

Celebrating Everyday People

History isn't only about kings, queens and famous figures. Some of the most fascinating stories belong to ordinary people whose lives shaped our communities but whose names have gradually faded from memory.

Over the past few months, our volunteers have spent countless hours exploring census records, parish registers, historic newspapers, maps and family archives to piece together these forgotten lives.

From the Tait family, who travelled from County Mayo to Northumberland before experiencing tragedy and war, to the Browell families of Rothbury, the Donkin auctioneers, the Gregory shoemakers, artist Henry Hetherington Emmerson and the Brown saddlers, each discovery has revealed another chapter in the rich history of our local area.

Together, these stories paint a remarkable picture of life in rural Northumberland over the last two centuries. 

Bringing History to Life

 Our research is now becoming an important part of every visit to Cragend Farm.

During Heritage Open Days, visitors not only discover our remarkable Grade II* listed farm and its pioneering Victorian hydraulic engineering, but also have the opportunity to explore the people who lived and worked here and in the surrounding communities from the Border Reivers to more recent times.

Each new discovery helps us connect the buildings, landscape and families that make this corner of Northumberland so special.

Why It Matters

 We believe preserving everyday history is incredibly important.

The stories of farmers, foresters, craftsmen, servants, artists and local families are every bit as valuable as those of famous historical figures. Thanks to digitised archives and historical records, we can now recover stories that might otherwise have been lost forever.

By sharing this research, we're helping future generations understand the people who shaped our rural villages, our landscape and our heritage.

How You Can Help

Public voting is now open for the Everyday History Heroes 2026 awards, and we'd be incredibly grateful for your support.

If you've enjoyed visiting Cragend Farm, attended one of our Heritage Open Days, followed our research, or simply believe local history deserves to be celebrated, we'd love your vote.

👉 Vote for Cragend Farm here:

https://www.findmypast.co.uk/c/everyday-history-heroes-north-east  

Our regional competitors Jesmond Old Cemetery and Berwick Record Office, are also worthy shortlisters and we are thrilled to be included with them.  Henry Watson is buried at Jesmond and we have 3 valves  he invented here on the farm. Berwick Town also has links with Rothbury although separated by around 50 miles, Berwick-upon-Tweed and Rothbury have long shared the same Border story, connected through trade, transport, farming, family ties and the rich history of Northumberland.

Every vote for Cragend Farm helps shine a spotlight on our amazing volunteers who are passionate about preserving Northumberland's heritage and sharing it with others. 

Thank you for supporting Cragend Farm ‘Cragside's little neighbour with a big story to tell.’

We look forward to welcoming you to Cragend Farm during Heritage Open Days, where you can discover these stories for yourself.

Our thanks to Lynn Akers, Lyn Hartley, Helen Wyld, Lisa Armstrong and Christopher France for their time and efforts.

Good Luck to our amazing volunteer team at Cragend Farm!