Redesdale
Redesdale is a valley in the western part of the county of Northumberland, in northeast England. This area contains the valley of the River Rede, a tributary of the River North Tyne.
Redesdale includes the settlements of Elsdon, Otterburn, Rochester, Byrness and Carter Bar. A portion of Redesdale to the west and north of Otterburn now forms part of Northumberland National Park and includes the Redesdale Forest, the northernmost part of Kielder Forest.History
This valley has served as an important route into Scotland. The area has seen conflict since the time of the Roman Empire.
After the Norman Conquest of 1066, the Norman noble family Umfraville gained lands in the area and were the first Lords of Redesdale.
In 1388, Otterburn was the site of a historic battle between armies from the kingdoms of England and Scotland, largely fought by moonlight. The Raid of the Redeswire, the last major battle between the Kingdom of England and the Kingdom of Scotland, took place at Redeswire near here in 1575.
During the Middle Ages, Elsdon was the economic centre of the area: it served as the market town and as the gathering place for the local graynes. In modern times, the village of Otterburn now holds that distinction. The A68 road follows the Rede valley on its way north into Scotland.
The British crown created the title Baron Redesdale in the 19th century.
