About Wylam in Northumberland

Wylam is a town in Northumberland, England, on the River Tyne. It is about 9 miles (14 km) east of Newcastle upon Tyne and is part of the Tynedale district. The population of the town was 3,893 at the 2011 Census.

Wylam was originally a small village in the parish of Ovingham. It was noted for its market and annual fair, which were held in the village green. The village grew rapidly in the 18th century with the coming of the coal industry. The first coal mine was opened in 1750 and by 1800 Wylam had become a major mining centre with over 20 collieries in operation. The town was served by the Wylam Waggonway, which was one of the first railways in the world.

The coal industry declined in the early 20th century and the last mine closed in 1931. Wylam then became a commuter town for Newcastle.

The town has a number of historic buildings, including St James' Church, which dates from 1742, and Wylam Hall, which was built in 1754. There is also a museum dedicated to the history of the coal industry.