Scorched Earth of the Northern Towns

King John stayed at Bedlington on January 9th and 10th, in connection with the expedition he launched against his rebellious barons in the North-country.

The story, in brief, of the expedition, is that many of these barons had offended King John because of doing homage to the King of Scotland at Felton, near Alnwick.

In an attempt to impede King John's progress, the barons carried out what we now know as the "scorched earth" policy, by setting fire to their villages and corn.

In retaliation, King John destroyed with fire and sword, the towns and villages that lay in his way, including Morpeth, Mitford, Alnwick, and Wark. This was his last visit to Bedlington, for King John died in the following October, at Newark.