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The only section of England that is located on River Tweed’s northern bank is Berwick-upon-Tweed.  Due to this fact, there is a unique and interesting history to the town.  This town is the gateway into England for Scotland, it is a port and has been a stronghold due to these facts for many years.  The British and the Scottish have been fighting over this town for hundreds of years, it had changed the countries hands by 1482, at least thirteen times.  For the last six and half centuries it has been part of England.  In a document signed by James IV of Scotland and England’s King Henry the VII in 1502, Berwick was acknowledged as belonging to neither country, but a state independent from both countries, on its own and located in the middle.  Only in recent history, 1974, has it been officially noted in the Northumberland county of England.  Some tourists unaware of the history, may wonder whether their Berwick holiday is one of the country of Scotland or one of England.

Through much of Berwick’s history the town’s development was shaped by its location close to the river, and by the constant occupation of military forces.  Until the 1600′s the town was occupied by either the Scottish army or the British soldiers, and after the occupation had ended, it was a useful and important British military base.  Salmon fishing became one of the most important economies in the area during the twentieth century.  Salmon has been caught in the River Tweed for centuries, and was often exported to the city of London as well as to other countries, through Berwick’s port.  Before the days of electricity and refrigerators, the fish was transported either live in tanks, or packed in ice on the fastest sailing ships of the time, the Berwick Smacks.  This is one of the towns of Scotland-of England-of Scotland-of England that is most charming and interesting and should be part of any trip through the United Kingdom.

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