The Main Guard and HMS Berwick
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 relates to HMS Berwick and its connections with the town, including a visit by the ship in 1975.
Timings & Tours
- Friday 12 September:
- 1200-1600
- Saturday 13 September:
- 1200-1600
- Sunday 14 September:
- 1200-1600
- Monday 15 September:
- 1200-1600
- Tuesday 16 September:
- 1200-1600
- Friday 19 September:
- 1200-1600
- Saturday 20 September:
- 1000-1600
- Sunday 21 September:
- 1000 - 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
Additional information
There will be other sites open nearby during the main HODS weekend ( 19 - 21 September) including the New Tower and Coxon's Tower.
