 Earthworks
were dug on the site in the early 12th century and these were
besieged by William the Lion, King of Scotland in 1173 and 1174.
These sieges were unsuccessful but the threat of further attacks
by the Scots caused Henry II to agree to a allow a stone castle
to be built on the site.
The attractive square keep was constructed in around 1175 and was surrounded by
curtain walls and a gatehouse. The keep was one of the first to be built in
Northumberland. In the 13th century a moat was dug and the castle was also provided
with two barbicans and a stronger gatehouse. The gatehouse had a vaulted basement
and a chapel on the first floor.
The chapel had a oriel window which is considered to be one
of the earliest to be found in any English castle.
Prudhoe castle passed into the hands of the Percy family in
1381. |
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Prudhoe
Castle
