Museum and distillery opens in Northumberland

A new Anglo-Saxon museum and whisky distillery is hoping to become a major tourist attraction for Northumberland.

The £16m project is inspired by the summer palace of 7th Century Northumbrian royalty, which was discovered nearby in 1949. The distillery revives a local tradition which, according to the attraction's owners, became dormant around 200 years ago.

Ad Gefrin – which means 'by the hill of goats' in Anglo-Saxon – is situated in the small town of Wooler on a previously derelict site. Items on display will tell the story of the 7th Century royal court and include loans from the British Museum.

The museum is owned by Eileen Ferguson, who with her husband also owns haulage company Ferguson Transport. 

She said she hoped Ad Gefrin, which is employing more than 60 people, would be "the catalyst for regeneration" in the area.