Paper short abstract:

This article explores the creation of England's first named ecomuseum at Flodden in Northumberland, site of the last medieval battle in England. Exploring and reconciling the views of local people - and how Flodden should be remembered - lie at the heart of the ecomuseum project.

Paper long abstract:

This article explores the creation of England's first named ecomuseum at Flodden in north Northumberland.The site witnessed the last medieval battle in England, which took place on the 9th September 1513 during the reign of Henry VIII. For the Scots the battle was a disaster, with many of the most important members of Scottish society killed in the conflict. The Scottish dead included twelve earls, fifteen lords, many clan chiefs, an archbishop and above all, King James himself.

Five hundred years later memories of the battle are still strong; place names, associated sites and intangible heritages bear witness in the landscape. The Flodden project organisers have sought to involve local communities in their discussions about how best to recognise the 500 year history of the site in 2013. The various associated places - dispersed throughout a wild and extensive landscape - has required widespread consultation with a variety of stakeholders. From these consultations it is evident that the ecomuseum must encompass a wide variety of sites and reflect a wide range of opinions and associations that people hold about Flodden. It appears that such sites have the power to both sustain, awaken and re-create memories of place.