Bank Hill Ice House was one of several built in Berwick in the early 18th century.

The ice was sourced locally if the winter had been severe enough, but usually was imported from Norway. The blocks were carefully stored in layers with sawdust laid between the blocks to prevent them from freezing into a solid mass.

Without this facility, much of 18th century Berwick’s wealth may not have been created. The ice was used for packing fish, particularly salmon, in crates to be transported to London. Ice houses were still being used in the 1930s, and Bank Hill was designated an air raid shelter during the Second World War.