Castles Of Interest
Because of the Border wars between 14th-16th centuries, Northumberland has more castles than any other English county. These Castles has had something to do with the Border Reivers in one way or another over the time. And it is interesting to know that these castles are open to the public most of the time. Anyone interested should check them out.
Alnwick Castle
A magnificent border fortress dating back to the 11th Century, It is the ancestral home of the Dukes of Northumberland, the Percy family, the largest landowners in the County, who have lived here since 1309. And at one time friends with the Hall Family until The Hall’s turn on them and alined themselves with the Crosiers. The Percy's organised many of the defences against Scots raiding parties in the days of the Border Reivers.
Castle Open daily: 23 March - 28 October, from 11:00am - 5:00pm (last admission 4:15pm). Grounds Open All Year 10:00am - 8:00pm or dusk if earlier. Castle and grounds £7.95
Bamburgh Castle
A coastal castle on the site from which Angle King’s once ruled Northumbria. The present 11th century castle was a Norman stronghold, which survived many sieges. During the Wars of the Roses, however, it was the first castle in England to succumb to gunfire when it fell to the artillery of Edward IV.
The castle was restored in the late 19th century by Lord Armstrong and now houses an excellent collection of arms and artwork as well as a tea-room, and gift shop. Superb coastal views overlook mile upon mile of silver sands towards the Farne Islands.
This castle is today still under Armstrong rule and also has An Armstrong Musium in the Castle.
Open: Daily, 12 March - 31 October, 2005 from 11am - 5pm, last admission 4.30pm. Adults £5.50; Children (6 - 15) £2.50 under 6s free; OAP's £4.50 (2005). Tel: +44 (0)1668 214515. Partially accessible to visitors in wheelchairs.
Aydon Castle
This is one of England's finest fortified manor houses, dating from the late 13th century. It was fortified by its original owner, a wealthy Suffolk merchant, but this did not prevent it being pillaged and burnt by the Scots in 1315 and seized by English rebels two years later. Its survival, remarkably intact, can be attributed to its later conversion to a farmhouse and it still provides a splendid impression of how a minor baron may have lived during the reign of Edward I.
Open: 1 April - 30 September, 10am - 6pm. Adults: £3.00. Tel: +44 (0)1434 632450 Ground floor access only for wheelchairs.
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