Bamburgh Castle

Built of red sandstone on a volcanic outcrop, no remains exist now of the 6th century fortification when Bamburgh castle was at the centre of the kingdom of Bernicia.

A Norman castle was built and in 1095 William II built a wooden counter fort and besieged the castle. However, nothing was achieved until Robert de Mowbray, who had escaped from the castle, was captured. Under the threat of having his eyes torn out, his wife Matilda agreed to surrender to the king.

Over the next 100 years building work gradually replaced earlier wood and stone constructions and by the time of Henry III the castle was well established over an area of 5 acres.

During the Border Wars the castle stood successfully against bombardment. However, during the Wars of the Roses the castle was attacked by Warwick, 'The 'Kingmaker' and became the first stronghold in England to be breached by gunfire.

The castle remained in a state of disrepair until the 18th century.

The Bishop of Durham bought if from the crown and on his death left it to charity. The castle came under the trusteeship of the Archdeacon of Northumberland who paid for much restoration work and set up a model welfare community.

In 1903 Lord Armstrong completed the restoration work on the castle.