Whiteblade - A tale of King Oswald of Northumbria
Heavenfield Church, Hexham, NE46 4EX
Friday 18th September 2026
Whiteblade is a new performance piece by Northumbrian folk musicians James and Sam Gillespie, bringing together elements of storytelling, music and theatre to tell the astonishing tale of King Oswald of Northumbria, the historical inspiration for the character of Aragorn in Tolkein’s The Lord of the Rings.
The shadowy centuries following Rome’s departure from Britannia, a time when the kingdoms and cultures of Anglo-Saxons, Britons, Picts and Gaels rise and fall on an island at the edge of the world and the Christian faith contends with the old ways to claim the hearts and souls of the people. Into this land of shifting tides arises a young Northumbrian of the royal line whose life, through seasons of exile and homecoming, will pass into legend and sainthood and mark a period of profound significance in the shaping of medieval Britain.
Whiteblade extends a mystical invitation to cross the borders of history and myth, seeking contact with the dreams that flow beneath the surface of the land, with old Albion and the golden age of Northumbria. It is brought alive by the brother’s fluid storytelling and the soaring vocals, poetic lyrics and multi instrumental textures that have seen their work hailed as ‘pure magic’ (Living Tradition).
This event starts promptly and is about an hour long. The performance takes place at the atmospheric church of Heavenfield, a place deeply resonant with the story being told. Please note there are no toilets or electricity on site. People are welcome to bring flasks of tea/coffee for refreshment and parking is available in the field in which the church is situated. The church is accessed by a short walk across the field.
The shadowy centuries following Rome’s departure from Britannia, a time when the kingdoms and cultures of Anglo-Saxons, Britons, Picts and Gaels rise and fall on an island at the edge of the world and the Christian faith contends with the old ways to claim the hearts and souls of the people. Into this land of shifting tides arises a young Northumbrian of the royal line whose life, through seasons of exile and homecoming, will pass into legend and sainthood and mark a period of profound significance in the shaping of medieval Britain.
Whiteblade extends a mystical invitation to cross the borders of history and myth, seeking contact with the dreams that flow beneath the surface of the land, with old Albion and the golden age of Northumbria. It is brought alive by the brother’s fluid storytelling and the soaring vocals, poetic lyrics and multi instrumental textures that have seen their work hailed as ‘pure magic’ (Living Tradition).
This event starts promptly and is about an hour long. The performance takes place at the atmospheric church of Heavenfield, a place deeply resonant with the story being told. Please note there are no toilets or electricity on site. People are welcome to bring flasks of tea/coffee for refreshment and parking is available in the field in which the church is situated. The church is accessed by a short walk across the field.
Price
Ticket price incl. booking fee
£10.84
