Since 1482 the most northerly town in England has been Berwick-upon-Tweed (pop. 14,000), an old border town which over a period of 300 years changed its allegiance 13 times. For a while it was Scotland's principal seaport. The town is characterized by three large bridges which span the River Tweed. The Berwick or Old Bridge, with 15 arches,
dates from 1634, while the Royal Border Bridge (a railroad bridge) was built in 1847-50 to plans by Robert Stephenson.
Berwick-upon-Tweed is a notable destination for its own landmark buildings and bridges as well as a base for visiting nearby historical sites. Berwick-upon-Tweed holds a market every Saturday and Wednesday.