Published in 1974 this is an account of the
author’s leisurely journey along the course of Hadrian’s Wall from Wallsend to
Bowness-on-Solway. Done over several trips in the course of a year, the book
covers the wall and adjacent sites of interest but as a travelogue rather than
a guide book.
In his progress east to west, as well as
relating his hiking experience, he brings together information on the Roman
wall and forts; the history of its exploration; and its effect on those who
live and work alongside.
The ancient history is sensibly packaged in
easily digestible portions with references to more scholarly sources for those
who want to learn more. Similarly, the accounts of those who previously
recorded their journeys along the wall (particularly that of William Hutton in
1801), are interestingly woven in to illustrate what has changed, or not, over
the years.
However it is his meetings (by chance or by
appointment) with the varied folk of the Wall that gives the book its
distinctiveness and appeal.
After nearly two thousand years the Wall
continues to impact on local people’s lives. For the farmer and other
landowners it is an occupational hazard; for the archaeologist and stone mason
it is a life’s work; for hotels, pubs and guesthouses it is a business
opportunity. Davies reports all views and tries to be non-judgemental but it is
clear where his sympathies lie - that such a monument deserves the protection
it is afforded.
Being half way through my own walk along the
wall I found the book stimulating, although inevitably dated. However this did
serve to show how much has happened to develop the tourism potential of the
wall in the last 40 years. (A more modern 2008 edition of the book does have a
preface to provide an update).
I like Hunter Davies as a writer, and find
his choices of subject interesting. Although this book does not have the focus of his
excellent biographies of George Stephenson and A Wainwright it still provides
an enjoyable read.
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