It has been under English control for hundreds of years.
04:30, 23 Mar 2026
The beautiful town has an incredible history(Image: joe daniel price / Getty Images)
Every one of Scotland’s cities, towns, and villages have their own unique history that is worth exploring. However, there are certain destinations across the country—as well as the UK as a whole—that have a particularly fascinating Scottish heritage.
Few towns in the UK can claim to have had as interesting and tumultuous a history as Berwick-upon-Tweed in Northumberland. Given its location just 2.5 miles south of the Anglo-Scottish border, it is not surprising that the town has changed hands multiple times throughout the years.
Berwick-upon-Tweed, which is also known as Berwick-on-Tweed or simply Berwick, sits at the mouth of the River Tweed along the east coast. Home to a population of approximately 12,000 people, it is best known for its one-of-a-kind heritage and past.
The history of Berwick begins all the way back in the post-Roman era, when the area was home to the Brythons of Bryneich before becoming part of the Anglian kingdom of Bernicia. It would later unite with fellow kingdom Deira to create Northumbria, which became part of the Kingdom of England under King Eadred.
However, according to the Friends of Berwick and District Museum and Archives, when the town of Berwick itself first emerged in historic records it was as part of the consolidated kingdom of Scotland. By 1130, Berwick was among the first Royal Burghs of Scotland.
Berwick-upon-Tweed(Image: Frans Sellies / Getty Images)
During this time under Scottish control, Berwick was often known by the name of South Berwick in order to distinguish it from the fellow town of North Berwick in East Lothian near Edinburgh. It was also known for being home to a medieval hospital where the sick and poor could receive treatment.
However, because of Berwick’s status as one of Scotland’s most prosperous and important towns, it was the site of many raids, sieges, and takeovers. Among the most notable of these took place in the 1290s, when Edward I of England captured and sacked the town and slaughtered many thousands of its residents in the process.
Edward I then constructed new town walls, some of which can still be seen in part to this day, and his son Edward II did the same. Berwick was soon retaken by Robert Bruce in 1318, but it wouldn’t be long until it was once again under English control.
An illustration of Edward I’s capture of Berwick in 1296(Image: Print Collector/Getty Images)
It is thought that, overall, Berwick changed hands between the English and Scots every 15 years on average throughout the centuries. However, it would be retaken for England for the final time in 1482 by Richard, Duke of Gloucester, as part of a nationwide invasion.
Though Scots continued to fight for Berwick-upon-Tweed for many years to come, they would never again regain control of the town. Nonetheless, to this day, many residents of Berwick continue to feel a close connection to Scotland and the Scottish people.
Today, Berwick is unsurprisingly a popular destination amongst those with an interest in Scottish and English history. Among the most interesting attractions is the Berwick-upon-Tweed Castle and Ramparts, which is a ruined castle that was a focal point of Anglo-Scottish warfare over the years.
Other historic sites in Berwick worth a visit include the Berwick Bridge, which is also referred to by locals as ‘the Old Bridge and dates back to the early 17th century, and the Town Hall. The latter offers tours to visitors, who are guided through its original prison cells and old town courtroom.
The town is also a popular spot for a seaside day out, with many gorgeous beaches in the surrounding area. It is worth walking to the pier and Berwick Lighthouse, which dates back to the 19th century and offers a lovely backdrop for photographs.
Despite being an English town for hundreds of years at this point, Berwick-upon-Tweed nonetheless will forever remain an important piece of Scotland’s past. It is well worth a visit for any Scot, thanks to its natural beauty, unique attractions, and of course its incredible history.