Introduction

After the ending of the '45, Jacobitism all but died in England.


William Sidney Gibson

This new interest in the local Jacobites was given a boost by the publication of William Sidney Gibson's book, 'Dilston Hall', in 1850.


Countess Amelia

On 28 September 1868 an apparently respectable Victorian gentlewoman left her house at Blaydon and, with two burly henchmen, moved into the ruined tower at Dilston.


A Squatter at Dilston

In order to prove that she was entitled to the old Radcliffe lands, Amelia had to do two things.


Amelia's Claim

Did Amelia really have a claim to the Radcliffe lands? Was she really descended from the Earl of Derwentwater?


The Derwentwater Monument

The magnificently named Cadwallader Bates was the leading Northumbrian historian of his day and in 1883 he bought Langley Castle.


The Northumbrian Jacobites Today

Since the publication of Gibson's 'Dilston Hall' in 1850, there has been continuous interest in the Northumbrian Jacobites.


The Northumbrian Jacobites Today

Since the publication of Gibson's 'Dilston Hall' in 1850, there has been continuous interest in the Northumbrian Jacobites. Several books have appeared, some highly romantic, some more sober.

In all about a dozen works have appeared on the topic, most of which have focused strongly on James Radcliffe. Many know of the '15 in Northumberland only through Anya Seton's novel, 'Devil Water'. Leo Gooch's book has taken the topic into the realms of academia. Most recently, Frances Dickinson has produced two excellent books, The Castle on Devil's Water and The Reluctant Rebel.

She has done much to promote interest in the subject and is working hard to ensure that Dilston Castle is preserved for future generations through Lottery funding. There is probably as much interest in the Northumbrian Jacobites today as at any time in the last 250 years, and the future of the Jacobite heritage in the area seems bright.