The Northumbrians: North-East England and its People -- A New History

by Dan Jackson

The Northumbrians have been overlooked by British and global history, but they've made astonishing contributions to both. Dan Jackson sets out to recover this lost history, exploring the deep roots of Northumbrian culture-hard work and heavy drinking, sociability and sentimentality, militarism and masculinity-through centuries of border warfare and dangerous industry. He explains what we can learn about Northumbria's people from its landscape and architecture, and revisits the Northumbrian Enlightenment that gave the world the locomotive and the lightbulb. This story reaches right to the present day, as this extraordinary region finds itself caught between an indifferent south and an increasingly confident Scotland.

From the Venerable Bede and the prince-bishops of Durham to Viz and Geordie Shore, this vital new history reveals a part of England with an uncertain future, but whose people remain as remarkable as ever.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, British Literature, Politics, Historical, Sociology, Geography

315 pages, Paperback

First published December 1, 2019

About the author

Born in North Shields and brought up in Northumberland, Dr Dan Jackson’s latest, bestselling, book 'The Northumbrians: North-East England and Its People: A New History' was published by Hurst in 2019 to critical acclaim in the Sunday Times, Mail on Sunday and The New Statesman both of which named it as one of their books of the year. He has also written for History Today and The New Statesman and has appeared on the BBC’s 'Start the Week', ‘Making History’ and ‘Who Do You Think You Are’.

Reviews

[Milk · Rating 3 out of 5]

As a fan of north east history there were some great tidbits of information that I hadn't known and thoroughly enjoyed learning about. My huge pride for being from Sunderland was certainly bolstered by this book.

However, I found the book was painfully written in a way as to portray the history of the north east in a way that reinforced stereotypes and reflected a largely white working class man's history. It was disappointing to see the lack of time spent discussing women's achievements or an acknowledgement of the multicultural and ethnically diverse north east.

The constant use of quotes from historical texts to reflect the author's point was exhausting and became bewildering at times. Points were over laboured. The author's pride in the north east's drinking culture made me uncomfortable and there was only a small section acknowledging the issues this has caused. Again, no real time given to the fact that the north east (and in particular Sunderland) have some of the highest rates of domestic violence and abuse in the country.

Furthermore, this isn't a socialist book. Despite being focused on the mostly working class populace, the book is very deterministic about the region's politics (and the rest!). It's very 'we have always been like this therefore we will continue to be like this'. Pretty depressing really. The author's own biases regarding military interests were also apparent as the north east's contribution (both in bodies and arms) to global conflicts appeared to be praised whereas in my opinion this is a damning and horrific fact.

The author also makes a case in point about throwing away local identities and instead of being caught up in Geordies V Mackems we should come together under a united front as 'Northumbrians'. I do empathise with this sentiment - however, this is an easy suggestion to make as a Tynesider. To me, it's like a Londoner suggesting the north east just put aside their woes and become pals. The gripes of Sunderland et al have to be acknowledged before a union can be settled upon. It's hilarious because the book largely focuses on Tyneside history and then asks the rest of us to be okay with being lumped together with Tynesiders? Yawn.

Some unknown and interesting tidbits but I'd hesitate to say this is a new history of the north east - to me it's a viewpoint that has been largely replicated in most other north east histories.

[C.J. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Few histories have expressed the soul of a people in the way “The Northumbrians” does. In place of a simple timeline of events, the book presents the North East through diverse lenses, ranging from industry and invention to mining and machoism. Overflowing with endnotes, yet written in a pleasant conversational tone, it offers itself to academic and casual readers alike. As an adopted Novocastrian, the book has filled me with great pride—but not by failing to turn a non-critical eye on this unique corner of England.

A must-read for all who belong to the land between the Tweed and the Tees and call it hyem, and for all those from beyond who have yet to truly understand it.

[Ruth Lunn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bizarrely, for a book about north east England, it was edited by an American and is full of American spelling and punctuation. Very distracting and a real shame as it takes away from an interesting and well researched book.

[Chris Holme · Rating 5 out of 5]

What have Dominic Cummings, Jean Paul Marat and Marlene Dietrich’s uncle got in common? They all get a mention in Dan Jackson’s The Northumbrians.
This indicates the encyclopaedic range of his research around which he weaves an engaging and compelling narrative from the time before Bede to the fall-out from Brexit.
He delves beneath the cosy caricatures of North-east mythology (including the three contenders for the origin of “Geordie”), the Border Reivers, coal, shipbuilding and armaments barons.
And the answers? Cummings cut his campaign teeth opposing the 2004 North East assembly, Marat published his first political tract in Newcastle, and Dietrich’s uncle captained a Zepplin which bombed West Hartlepool in 1916.
A brilliant book and a joy to read.

[Robert Forster · Rating 3 out of 5]

Firstly, this book is very well researched and represents the magnificent history of the North East of England. Like everyone who lives here, the author's love for area comes across and you can't help but feel proud of this corner of the world.

However, I was also left a little disappointed with the book. I found it quite very frantic at times, especially the first two chapters - as if too much information was being poured into each page which made taking it all in very difficult. Many events and people, both local and global, were referenced but not expanded on which meant unless you have an extreme level of general knowledge, it was hard to grasp the author's points.

The author is clearly highly educated and subsequently used a high level of language which made it heavy going at times. The book isn't ordered chronologically, instead it's centered around themes which is clever but you can find yourself jumping across centuries on one page which added to the frantic nature of the book.

There was a very heavy focus on Tyneside and Durham but very little on the rural and coastal areas. The content followed a similar theme; a heavy focus on coal mining, the military and the same repeating characters in each chapter. Very little about farming, fishing or many of the regions famous castles and the stories behind them.

Deapite this it's worth a read and you will definitely come away knowing more about the North East but it could have been better in my opinion.

[Vee · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 stars ~ [5.36/10]

I was feeling a bit homesick when I picked this up. If you grew up in Northumberland (or the North East of England) and have an interest in history, you'll probably know quite a few of the topics covered in book - even if you don't have an interest in history there will be a few of the quotes from poetry or songs that'll be genetically hardcoded into your DNA as a Northumbrian. There is something very comforting about being surrounded by the lore of your culture and home and that is mainly what his book provided me with.

However, there was an overwhelming focus on the history of men in this area of the UK (probably owing to access to documented history because... patriarchy, etc.) but I do wish there had been more information on women in the area other than a small chapter (maybe even just a few pages) about how women functioned in service to their miner husbands, several mentions of Catherine Cookson, and how women these days like to get dressed up for a night out in Newcastle. I also wish there had been a deeper dive into how the diversity of the population had changed over the years with a focus on how people from all over the world (as well as various minority groups) settle in this area of the country and why. There was a definite point of view explored here and maybe there was an inclination to stay in a specific lane to maintain credibility, but I think the book suffered slightly from that.

[Rob Thompson · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Northumbrians: North-East England and its People is an engaging and informative look at the rich history and culture of North-East England.

Dan Jackson does an excellent job of bringing the region to life through detailed accounts of its people, landscapes, and traditions. He delves into the ancient history of the region, exploring the influences of the Romans, Vikings, and Normans, and how these have shaped the culture and identity of the Northumbrians.

One of the strengths of the book is Jackson's ability to weave together historical events and personal stories to create a rich and nuanced picture of the region. He brings to life the struggles and triumphs of the Northumbrian people, and their resilience and determination in the face of adversity.

Overall, The Northumbrians: North-East England and its People is a fascinating and well-written look at the rich history and culture of North-East England. It is a must-read for anyone interested in the region or in the history and culture of England more broadly.

[Stephanie Jade · Rating 5 out of 5]

A realistic and thorough overview of Northumbria - learnt so much about the North East’s contribution to society along with interesting local history snippets.
My favourite part is how much it celebrates the working class culture of the region. Amazed at how similar the authors background is to my own (Irish immigrant miner family from the West End of Newcastle, growing up near a new town in South Northumberland!).
Makes me even more proud to be Northumbrian (and this book help validate why I always make a point of saying I’m from Northumberland not Newcastle) - got a thrill every time my hometown was mentioned hahaha

[Bexar Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spot on! Really good!

[Lottie Flood · Rating 5 out of 5]

Probably a 4.5 being honest. I would’ve loved a bit more on women and POC in the north east, but otherwise a really really interesting read. It’s angering to read about how much the north east has given the UK and the world overtime, and how little we’ve received. Even more angering when considering how rude people from outside the region can be about it without knowing any history or ever having visited. I’m obviously biased, but north east England will forever be my favourite place, and I hope that some day soon our politicians can give these “shitholes” (thanks James cleverly) the respect - and funding - they more than deserve.

[Rob Thirlwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great insight into the history and culture of the North East. Dalesmen come out of it seeming like crazy tar carrying hill people, but tbf that isn’t so far from the truth.
Swelling with pride about being from NE and severely home sick now, cheers.

[Ebony · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just great

[Ian Glendenning · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hedonistic. Friendly. Charitable. Boozy. Sport mad. Stereotypes maybe, but a fascinating history … and stereotypes are stereotypes for a reason: I left Sunderland when I was 5 years old, but recognise (some of) the stereotypes in myself and definitely in my parents who ‘belonged Sunderland’ until the day they died.

[Louise · Rating 4 out of 5]

Easy listening accompaniment to cycling around Northumberland!

[Tracey Sinclair · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wide-ranging, well-researched but written with enough lightness and glimmers of dry humour to stop it becoming too dense a read. Fascinating and illuminating.

[Stephen H · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well researched book. Enjoyed reading it. Quite heavy, content wise so I read it periodically.

[Richard Moss · Rating 5 out of 5]

I may be biased as I live in the region Dan Jackson is writing about, but this is a magisterial work of cultural history.

The author comes from the region he writes about so approaches it with affection and love, but also with insight and understanding of both its qualities and flaws.

Using a thematic rather than strictly chronological approach, Jackson looks at how the geography, geology and history of the region has shaped its people. It's packed full of fascinating detail, but you never feel bogged down in any of the information he conveys.

Instead, Jackson has an entertaining and witty style, but this is nevertheless a work of substance and weight and the arguments he constructs are based on sound evidence and not merely anecdote - though some of those are great.

I learned a lot about the region I love, and found the this hard to put down.

[Joseph Sweeney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great!

[Book-Social · Rating 3 out of 5]

As an adoptive Northumbrian I was always going to read this book. I love history and reading (in case you hadn’t guessed) so it was just my cup of tea. This book is clearly a labour of love for Jackson. He seems passionate about history, is from the area (well he kind of had to be) and still lives locally. He even took several of the photos that puncture the text himself. It is without doubt extensively researched and so wide ranging taking in everything from Gazza’s bid to save Raoul Moat to 1830s texts on political economy.

I expected it to be lineal in nature as most books of this kind are. It wasn’t, instead each chapter took on a theme such as work and play or education and achievements. This, whilst slightly wrong footing me, allowed the book to be very holistic in its approach. Swooping from here to there to illustrate Jackson’s points.

It very much felt like an academic piece of work – the introduction setting out Jackson’s intention in the way a students dissertation would. And the language was clearly from a person highly educated. Which brings me to my main point – who is the book aimed at? Not the miners and the traditional working man so clearly depicted by Jackson. Nor the outsider as, lets be honest, likening Whitley Bay’s North Sea to the Bay of Naples is a slight exaggeration that smacks at a face only a mother could love. In this sense it does appeal to a niche audience but if you’re lucky enough to be one of them you will enjoy it immensely.

[Trevor Elliott · Rating 4 out of 5]

A well researched book full of interesting and fascinating facts, stories and myths about the people of the northeast and a must-read for anyone from the area or interested in it. It’s not an easy read as the writer’s lexicon is far greater than mine. I came across many words I’d never seen before, so I reached for the dictionary far more than for any other book I’ve read. That aside, this is a well written, nicely constructed and beautifully conceived book.

[Richard · Rating 5 out of 5]

If, like me, you have the good fortune to lay claim to a Northumbrian birthright, this isn't just a book to read, it is a book to own and treasure. Dan Jackson introduces us to a diverse cast of fascinating characters, the good, the bad, the high flyers and the proletariat. He also gives us an insight into the psyche of the Northumbrians, proudly revealing their strengths but never shying away from shining a light on their faults and failings. Canny crack this like.

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

As the title suggests, ‘The Northumbrians’ is full of love and pride for the region of Northumbria, its history and its people. There’s seven chunky chapters densely packed with fascinating facts – almost dizzyingly so. It’s therefore a book to be savoured at a gentle pace rather than binge-read – but this just means more time to enjoy Dan Jackson’s enthusiasm, scholarship, and the delightful quotes and stories along the way. Occasionally Jackson slips into overly-effusive boasts and assertion (the London to Birmingham tunnel being regarded as the greatest feat of engineering since the Pyramids, for example), and readers with knowledge of the region may quirk a friendly eyebrow at a few of his claims (such as the Keel Row bookshop being the best in the North East – but no mention of the magnificent Barter Books?) however, these are minor quibbles and easily forgiven. ‘The Northumbrians’ will be thoroughly enjoyed by any Northumbrian looking to revel in their history and culture, and for others to want to learn all there is to know about this wonderful place and its people. Absolutely champion.

[Caro · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fascinating, highly readable account of the culture and history of a region of England that does not loom large to most Americans (like me). It inspired me to re-watch Billy Elliott and to track down George MacDonald Fraser's Steel Bonnets. A good accompaniment to Fiona Hill's memoir There Is Nothing for You Here: Finding Opportunity in the Twenty-First Century of growing up and then leaving Bishop Auckland. Looking forward to the upcoming wedding that will add a Northumbrian to our family!

[Mark Walker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting compilation of various aspects of life in Northumbria. Though the author checks himself a couple of times, he still falls into the trap of rehashing non evidenced myths/cliches. There are sections of claims about Northumbria that could be written about any part of Britain.
There is at least one factual error. The Meadowell riots in North Shields are incorrectly referred to as happening in 1990, whereas it was in 1991.
The author tries to understand how Northumbria has developed differently. One startling fact is the higher proportion of people from North East England who join the military.

[Ralph_Boulton · Rating 3 out of 5]

Perhaps I came to this book with too high an expectation, the title is grandiose.
Putting that aside this is an interesting work and the author has worked hard at identifying the tropes and attitudes that define the region and make it so distinctive. He paints quite a glossy and uneven history and it is hard to see any overarching themes - presumably reflecting the source material but you won’t learn much about the lives of women here, and I am the author is mostly interested in lives of the working people (with which I am sympathetic)
There are lots of disparate and interesting asides that as a new comer to the region, I really enjoyed

[Julian Walker · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting series of academic-styled essays collected together to prove a point that this region of the UK has a very real and tangible culture and personality, all of its own.

The book starts with this premise and then each chapter is used to confirm an element of it, with lots of interesting nuggets about people and places, but rather too many quoted texts to support the reasoning for my liking.

I also bought the kindle edition as the font size of the hardback is less than user-friendly for my eyesight.

A good and improving read.

[Marianne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good social/regional history. Some accomplishments of Northumbrians documented here are not things I would necessarily celebrate although their impact is certainly clear. Some books in this genre can simplisticly romanticize their subject, stereotype it, or present a patronizing outsider perspective. For that, see the obnoxiously twee, cottagecore history of the Anglo Scottish border, The Debatable Land. Dan Jackson should be commended for avoiding that here and sharing a balanced view of his home.

[Pam Shelton-Anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

While I did think this would be primarily about the ancient kingdom of Northumbria, I ended up being pleasantly surprised that this view the area and people across many centuries. I did find the tendency to jump around different eras a bit of a challenge. I especially liked the details on what it was like to be a miner and family since my great-grandfather was a coal miner from that area before he emigrated to the US in the mid-1800s. What a tough life it was. I love visiting the north-east of England and will have a new view of the history and people next time I go in a few months.

[Anthony James · Rating 3 out of 5]

As a proud Northumbrian I really wanted to love this book and although some parts were well written and fascinating it just didn't flow well and wasn't an overly enjoyable read. I didn't like the way it jumped back and forwards through timelines to make different points and themes and by the end I felt I still wasn't as knowledgeable on the timeline of history in Northumberland as I would like to have been ! I did learn stuff though so overall a decent but not great book

[Peter Tomlinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Happy to give this book 5 stars. I loved every page. I was born and brought up in Newcastle and this book taught me more than any history lesson sat through at school. A superb read which explains a lot about people’s attitudes and behaviours throughout the North East and how they have been cultivated through past events