Is the North of England More Similar to Scotland or the South?

Northumbria, located in North East England above the Tees, shares numerous historical and cultural ties with Scotland. While the South might be closer in distance, the similarities between the North of England and Scotland are numerous and profound. This article explores these similarities and argues that the North of England is more akin to Scotland in both history and culture.

Cultural Bridges: Ties Between Northumbria and Scotland

One significant example of shared heritage lies in the Border Tartan, a unique tartan pattern that is worn by both Northumbrian and Scottish communities. Discovered in Falkirk, this tartan is believed to date back to the 3rd century and is also known as the Northumbrian Tartan, reflecting the strong historical connections between the two regions.

Shared Historical Figures

The influence of Scotland on Northumberland's history is evidenced by the life of Saint Oswald, a renowned Northumbrian king who spent a considerable part of his life in Scotland. Born around 604 CE, Saint Oswald was brought up in Scotland and later converted to Celtic Christianity there. He returned to Northumbria as a mature leader, where he eventually led the conquest of Edinburgh, an event that marked a significant turning point in the region's history.

Monastic Connections

Another shared cultural legacy is the influence of Scottish monks on Northumbrian life. Saint Cuthbert, a renowned Northumbrian saint, was originally a Border Scot from a region like Dunbar. He later became a monk at Melrose Abbey, a crucial monastic site in Northumbria. This intermingling of Scottish and Northumbrian monastic traditions highlights the strong spiritual connections between the two regions.

Linguistic Similarities

The influence of Scottish language and dialects can be seen in the Geordie dialect. This unique dialect, spoken in North East England, shares many linguistic similarities with Scottish English. This linguistic connection further emphasizes the ties between the two regions and their shared cultural heritage.

Historical Movements and Events

Both Northumbria and Scotland have a rich history of activism and political movements. The support for the Jacobites in Northumberland, a movement that aimed to restore the Stuart monarchy to the British throne, echoed similar sentiments in Scotland. Additionally, during the 19th century, both regions were centers of industrial innovation, with significant advancements in coal mining and shipbuilding.

Architecture and Economy

The architectural landscape of Newcastle and Edinburgh also shares striking similarities. Both cities are renowned for their impressive sandstone Romanesque buildings, which contribute to their distinct and shared urban aesthetics. Furthermore, both regions were pivotal centers of British industry, contributing to their economic significance and cultural importance.

Modern Cultural Resonance

Modern cultural manifestations also reflect the deep historical and social ties between Northumberland and Scotland. British workers, including those from the North of England, often share a sense of camaraderie and values that transcend regional boundaries. Even during my formative years, I noticed that working-class English people had much more in common with their Scottish counterparts than with Southern English people.

In summary, the North of England shares a rich tapestry of historical and cultural connections with Scotland that far surpass the similarities with the South. From shared traditions and architecture to a common political stance, the North of England and Scotland are intrinsically linked, making it clear that the former is indeed more similar to the latter than the South.

References:

Falkirk Tartan Discovery, Hume Watson Museum and Gallery King Oswald of Northumbria Monastic Traditions at Melrose Abbey Linguistic Similarities between Geordie and Scots Dialects Historical Support for Jacobites in Northumberland Scottish and Northern British Industrial Innovations Architectural Similarities between Newcastle and Edinburgh