On the roadside of the A686, just before Langley Castle, stands the Derwentwater Monument. This commemorates the sacrifices of James and Charles Radcliffe, the Earls of Derwentwater, for the Jacobite cause.

The history of the monument dates back to 1705 when the Langley estate became the property of the Earls of Derwentwater, who also held the title of Viscounts Langley.

James, the 3rd Earl, and his brother Charles were staunch Jacobites and played key roles in the 1715 and 1745 Jacobite Rebellions, which sought to restore the Stuart dynasty. Both brothers were captured at Preston in 1715, leading to James’s execution, while Charles managed to escape from the Tower of London and flee to France.

For years, Charles was able to visit  England safely. However, when he came back to support the 1745 rebellion, he was captured and later beheaded.

Today, the Derwentwater Monument stands as a lasting tribute to the Radcliffe brothers and their devotion to the Jacobite cause, a reminder of Northumberland’s deep connection to this turbulent chapter in British history.