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Visitor Information
Coanwood Friends Meeting House, Coanwood, near Haltwhistle, Northumberland, NE49 0PU
Tel: 01434 320256
Grid reference: NY709590.
Coanwood Friends Meeting is approximately 5 miles south of Haltwhistle and approximately 2 miles east of the village of Coanwood. It is recommended to visit with a copy of the Ordnance Survey map to locate the building.
There is a noticeboard outside.
It is possible to park off the road close to the meeting house.
Literature is available within.
There are no toilets facilities on site.
Coanwood Friends Meeting House Events
Coanwood is left unlocked and can be visited at any reasonable time. The Hexham Quakers hold an annual service and picnic at Coanwood that coincides with Heritage Open Days weekend. For further information visit the Hexham Quakers
Coanwood Friends Meeting House
near Haltwhistle, Northumberland | Listed Grade II*
Transport
The nearest railway station is Haltwhistle on the Newcastle to Carlisle line. There is no bus service to near the meeting house.
History and Architecture
Coanwood Friends Meeting House stands in an unpopulated upland valley, south of Hadrian's Wall.
Of the many 18th-century meeting houses which survive in Northumberland only Coanwood has been spared major alteration since its construction in 1760. The date is carved on the lintel above the entrance. The walls of the meeting house are built of squared stone with rusticated quoins. The simple wooden benches inside are a rare survival of the historic Quaker layout. A panelled partition with hinged shutters sub-divides the interior. The smaller room has a fireplace and iron hob grate.
In the burial ground are typical Quaker gravestones, commemorating the Wigham family which founded the meeting.
Repair and Regeneration
The meeting house has been repaired in a manner that conserves its unique fabric and furnishings. There are many walkers' paths nearby.