The Boatside Inn is at the north of the bridge crossing the South Tyne just a little upstream from the confluence of the South and North Tyne. The location of this bridge is according to "Bridges on the Tyne" the site of a ferry crossing called "West Boat", itself a little upstream of a ford over the river. This ferry was later superseded in 1826 by a suspension bridge (which collapsed and was re-built in 1877), and in 1903 the current bridge was built. The old toll house at the opposite bridge end is still visible, but the pub near the south end of the bridge has disappeared.

Warden - from the old English “weard dun” meaning ‘watch hill’ - shows evidence of Mesolithic and Neolithic activity, but the most noticeable historic feature is Warden Hill, the site of an Iron Age Hill Fort and Medieval Village. Recent discoveries, though disturbed by quarrying, show evidence of a Roman Camp. The church is noted for its Anglo Saxon tower, reputed to be the smallest in Northumberland.

Further information "Keys to the Past"