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Castles In Northumberland |
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Alnwick Castle |
At
Alnwick, just off A1 The 11th Century castle is the seat of the Percy family,
Dukes of Northumberland. After neglect, in 1750 the 1st Duke renovated the castle creating
a 'Gothic' style residence' With Capability Brown gardens, the interior has a
Italian style, and a collection of china and paintings. more information
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Bamburgh Castle |
16
miles north of Alnwick, off A1 A Norman castle was built on an older site,
building work replaced wood and stone constructions and the castle was
established. Lord Armstrong completed the restoration started previously in 1903
more information |
Belsay Castle |
North-west
of Newcastle upon Tyne, on A696 A late 14th century tower house. The
fortifications were to defend the owner against the low level warfare of the region. An
attached house was added in the early 17th century. more
information |
Dunstanburgh Castle |
12
miles north of Alnwick, on the coast, off A1 Built in the 14th
century by Thomas, Earl of Lancaster, as a stronghold against the Scots
and also as protection against Edward II. Built on a grand scale,
with thick walls.During the Wars of the Roses the castle was besieged
by Yorkists. In the Civil War the castle played little part as it was
unable to withstand artillery bombardment. Today the ruins of
the great fortress are stranded on a hill top only accessible by foot.
more information |
Lindisfarne Castle |
On
Holy Island, 13 miles south-east of Berwick-upon-Tweed, off A1 In 1542 fortification was begun, defending the harbour of Holy
Island against the Scots. It fell into disuse and in 1902 the castle was bought and
restored by Edward Hudson. In 1968 the National Trust took over the castle. more
information |
Norham Castle |
7 miles south-west of Berwick-upon-Tweed, off A698 Near
the Scottish border Norham Castle has been besieged or captured on numerous occasions
requiring constant repairs In 1173 it passed to the crown, and added to during the 15th
century The walls were rebuilt, 16th century, to withstand artillery. Today, although
ruined, the castle is still an impressive sight. more information |
Prudhoe Castle |
10
miles west of Newcastle upon Tyne, off A695 Earthworks were
here in the 12th century and were besieged unsuccessfully by William
the Lion, King of Scotland. Henry II allowed a stone castle to
be built. In the 13th century a moat was dug. The chapel had
a oriel window, considered to be one of the earliest to be found in
any English castle. The castle passed into the hands of the Percy
family in 1381. more information |
Warkworth Castle |
10
miles south-east of Alnwick, on A1038 Built during the 12th century, in the 13th
century fortifications were built, becoming part of the chain of defence against the
Scots. In 1332 the castle passed to the Percy family, and taken by Henry IV, but was
restored to them, the Percys carried out improvements and kept it in good repair until the
16th century. Today, the castle is a ruin. more information |
