[Churchillspirit]

But the southern border of the old kingdom of Northumbria is actually the river Humber.<

Maybe so, but my husband's point was that culturally the change was between Northumberland and Durham.

Having attended many dances with him in that area, I would agree.

[Jakarta ex-pat]

"Hang together,

or assuredly we shall all hang separately."

[Mrs Ivan]

Having grown up in the area (Tynemouth), having long established (+100 years) family links (Jesmond, Durham, Tynemouth and Alnwick) and having attended Durham University, I would disagree quite strongly, even on the cultural point.

I will agree that there is more appreciation of Scots culture than one finds in the south of England, but any interests in independdance expressed in the area are for regional independance. In my experience, at least.