The walls of a new castle in Morpeth were built soon after 1200, on a hill overlooking the River Wansbeck. Our gatehouse was added a century later, more for show than defence. Its builder, Lord Greystoke, wanted its presence felt because this was to be a court-house in which manorial justice was dispensed – an important function in the unruly Borders. The court was held in the large room on the first floor.

This room was divided by a screen, behind which the plaintiffs waited. Its replacement hides nothing more dangerous than the kitchen. Between sittings the gatehouse served as a lodging, probably for the bailiff.

These arrangements disappeared in later alterations, however, just before 1700 and again in 1860. Each time, a new house was formed inside the walls. We have tried to keep something of each but to make sense of the medieval layout as well. In 1516 Margaret, sister of Henry VIII and widow of James IV of Scotland, stayed for four months in Morpeth Castle as she fled from her enemies in Scotland and sought refuge with her brother. The one great military event in the castle’s history was in 1644 when a garrison of 500 Lowland Scots held it for Parliament for 20 days against 2,700 Royalists.

The castle stands on a small plateau, above Morpeth and with fine views of it, but completely removed from the bustle. Once inside the curtain wall, whose circuit is battered but still complete, you could be inside the most remote Border stronghold.

View our history sheet for this Landmark

Sleeps: 7