Turbulent history of the ‘happiest place in the UK’

KALI LINDSAY on a town’s journey from war and bloodshed to being the happiest place in the UK

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It sits on the banks of the River Tweed and has a rich and complex history.

For centuries Berwick has changed allegiances between England and Scotland, changing hands at least 13 times before it settled as part of England in 1482.

The town has been named the happiest place to live in the UK by The Guardian, but what is now a bustling seaside town was once besieged, stormed, sacked, burned, massacred and sold during its turbulent history. Despite the changing of hands, is believed townsfolk resisted the Scots and stuck by the English.

It was between 1174 and 1482 that marked the greatest period of unrest. The biggest disaster was when Edward I invaded Scotland as revenge for not helping him against France.