River Tweed

The River Tweed, traditionally designated as the border between Scotland and England since 1018 when Malcolm II, King of all Scotland, claimed the River Tweed as the boundary of his kingdom¹Heritagegateway.org.uk. (2012). ‌Berwick upon Tweed (Northumberland). Reference number: N13761. [online] Available at: https://www.heritagegateway.org.uk/Gateway/Results_Single.aspx?uid=N13761&resourceID=110 [Accessed 9 Jan. 2022]..

But Berwick-upon-Tweed’s strategic importance, on the north bank of the river, has meant the town has undergone several changes between the kingdoms of Scotland and England.

But Since the Act of Union between England and Scotland in 1707, Berwick has belonged to England, with the current border lying somewhat arbitrarily about 3-4 miles north of the town.

Despite this, the iconic 28 arch viaduct over the River is known as the Royal Border Bridge²Heritagegateway.org.uk. (2012). ‌Royal Border Bridge. Hob Uid: 4275. [online] Available at: https://www.heritagegateway.org.uk/Gateway/Results_Single.aspx?uid=f0c63aa3-9a27-4a43-b0e2-96ec9ca6c4e9&resourceID=19191 [Accessed 9 Jan. 2022]..

It was designed for the York, Newcastle and Berwick Railway by Robert Stephenson and opened by Queen Victoria in 1850. Today it carries the East Coast Mainline between London and Edinburgh.

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  Heritagegateway.org.uk. (2012). ‌Berwick upon Tweed (Northumberland). Reference number: N13761. [online] Available at: https://www.heritagegateway.org.uk/Gateway/Results_Single.aspx?uid=N13761&resourceID=110 [Accessed 9 Jan. 2022].
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  Heritagegateway.org.uk. (2012). ‌Royal Border Bridge. Hob Uid: 4275. [online] Available at: https://www.heritagegateway.org.uk/Gateway/Results_Single.aspx?uid=f0c63aa3-9a27-4a43-b0e2-96ec9ca6c4e9&resourceID=19191 [Accessed 9 Jan. 2022].