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Local Information for Alston

Alston is a small town in Cumbria, England on the River Tyne. It is said to be the highest market town in the country, at about 1000 feet (300 m) above sea level. A trade directory of 1829 described the region as "a region of dreary wastes and narrow dales".

The town lies on the confluence of the South Tyne and the River Nent. The landscape of the area is built up from limestone, sandstone and shale. The area is rich in mineral in particular lead deposits.

The landscape has been heavily influenced by the effects of varying methods of mining over the centuries.

Nearby villages include Garrigill and Nenthead.

The earliest evidence of population in the area comes from pottery fragments, a gold basket-earring and flint tools found in one of two barrows excavated in 1935 (2 miles or 3 kilometres NNW of Alston at Kirkhaugh), these were dated between 2000 BC and 1700 BC.

Evidence of Roman activity in the area comes from the earth remains of Whitley C...More