Thomas Whittle: A Northumberland Poet and Painter Bridging Romanticism & Folklore Thomas Whittle (1683 – 1736) remains a figure shrouded in intriguing speculation, primarily due to the scarcity of definitive biographical details. Born in Long Edlingham or Shilbottle—locations debated by scholars like Thomas Allan—Whittle’s early life is largely undocumented, yet his artistic output speaks volumes about his spirit and the cultural milieu of Northumberland during the Enlightenment. He began his career as a miller's assistant, honing practical skills alongside an innate fascination with observ…