Newcastle upon Tyne Castle

The original wooden 'new castle', from which the city takes its name, was replaced by a stone building in the 12th century.

The chapel was built between 1168 and 1178. The castle was huge and surrounded by great walls and defensive ditches. There were several towers including the Black Gate which possessed its own drawbridge and portcullis and had a series of loops for archers.

It was one of the most important medieval castles in northern England.

A barbican was added to the castle in around 1250. In 1618 this was converted into a house which became known as Blackgate, after Patrick Black, a 17th century tennant of the building.

However, much of the castle has been destroyed including the great hall which was dismantled in 1809. The only buildings that survive are the keep with two sets of royal apartments, the chapel and a 13th century gatehouse.

The impressive keep is 85 feet high and towers over the city centre. The walls are between 15 and 18 feet thick and rise to five storeys.

In Victorian times the Castle was cut off from Blackgate when a railway (now the East Coast Main Line) was constructed between the two ancient buildings.

The battlements have been restored and are reached by a series of spiral staircase, with spectacular views over the River Tyne, Cathedral and Newcastle Central Station.