Bamburgh Castle

★★★★☆

bamburgh castle
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Attribution: By Michael Hanselmann - Quaoar10 - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=5205849

Location
Bamburgh, Northumberland, United Kingdom
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Built
11th century

Bamburgh Castle has stood guard above the spectacular Northumberland coastline for over 1,400 years.

From an Anglo-Saxon citadel to an impenetrable Norman fortress, it eventually became a grand castle that served as a royal palace for successive kings.

In legend, Bamburgh was the formidable fortress of Sir Lancelot, paladin of the Round Table, and the greatest of King Arthur's champions.

In its early history, the site was the royal capital of Northumbria, a large and powerful kingdom inhabited by native Britons.

Bamburgh Castle, side view

Bamburgh Castle, side view
Credit: ID 6920812 @ Redeyed | Dreamstime.com

After the Anglo-Saxon invasion, it became the capital of the kingdom of Bernicia.

Ida the Flamebearer, the first of the Anglo-Saxon kings of Bernicia, laid the first timbers of a fortified wooden enclosure, establishing the original stronghold.

At the end of the 10th century, the Normans took control from the Northumbrian kings and began building a new structure on the site, which forms the core of the current one.

Bamburgh Castle, aerial view

Bamburgh Castle, aerial view
Credit: Shutterstock.com

Due to its close proximity to Scotland, Bamburgh developed into a strategic English outpost for the Crown.

The mighty keep was completed in 1164, during the reign of Henry II. It remains the heart of the castle to this day.

Bamburgh Castle, the keep

Bamburgh Castle, the keep
Credit: ID 263240231 @ Chrismoncrieff | Dreamstime.com

Bamburgh served as a palace for English monarchs over the coming centuries. As well as hosting kings, the fortress also held hostages and prisoners, including the wounded Scot's King, David Bruce.

Bamburgh Castle and beach

Bamburgh Castle and beach
Credit: ID 2935828 @ D_turner | Dreamstime.com

In the 15th century, the War of the Roses broke out across the country between the royal houses of Lancaster and York.

Bamburgh was home to King Henry VI of the Red Rose of Lancaster. It came under siege by Richard Neville, the "Kingmaker," on behalf of the White Rose of York.

After centuries of withstanding every armed assault, Bamburgh became the first castle in England to be defeated by artillery.

After the union of the English and Scottish Crowns in 1603, the defensive era of the fortress came to an end.

King James I gifted the palace to its last royal keeper, and Bamburgh passed into private hands for the first time in its long history.

Bamburgh Castle, panoramic view

Bamburgh Castle, panoramic view
Credit: ID 230050700 @ Chrisdorney | Dreamstime.com

Unable to afford the maintenance of the vast structure, it quickly deteriorated and fell into ruin.

In the mid-eighteenth century, Dr. John Sharp, chairman of the board of trustees in charge of the castle, refurbished the keep and courtrooms and established a hospital and a free school.

In 1894, the site was sold to William Armstrong, an engineer, inventor, and armaments magnate.

An advocate of water and solar power, his manor in Northumberland was the first house in the world to be powered by hydroelectricity.

William Armstrong's house at Cragside

William Armstrong's house at Cragside
Credit: ID 67804700 @ Timsaxon | Dreamstime.com

It cost more than one million pounds to carry out the major restoration project. After William died, his great-nephew completed the task, deciding to retain the edifice as a family residence.

Bamburgh Castle is constructed on top of a black volcanic outcrop of rock.

Bamburgh Castle and the pink Campions

Bamburgh Castle and the pink Campions
Credit: ID 140819473 @ Pjackson1971 | Dreamstime.com

The massive square keep is the oldest surviving part.

Its mighty walls are three and a half meters thick to the front and almost two meters wide elsewhere.

A chilling display of weaponry is showcased within the keep. Pikes, halberds, muskets, and a vast history of projectile arms decorate the walls.

Bamburgh Castle, weapons collection

Bamburgh Castle, weapons collection
Credit: Shutterstock.com

The King's Hall is one of the most amazing rooms in the castle and a Victorian masterpiece.

Bamburgh Castle, the King's Hall

Bamburgh Castle, the King's Hall
Credit: Shutterstock.com

Built on the spot of the medieval Great Hall, it features a magnificent false hammer beam ceiling made with teak from Thailand.

Visitors can also enjoy a unique artwork collection inside the castle, including furniture, tapestries, and porcelain.

Bamburgh Castle, interior room

Bamburgh Castle, interior room
Credit: Shutterstock.com

These artifacts originate from generations of owners, as well as numerous guests, members of the Royal family, or William Armstrong's personal collection.

The place has been used as a film location since the 1920s, featuring in movies such as Ivanhoe, El Cid, Mary Queen of Scots, or Elizabeth.

Bamburgh Castle, spectacular view

Bamburgh Castle, spectacular view
Credit: ID 75251801 @ Bnoragitt | Dreamstime.com

Bamburgh Castle is a Grade One listed building known as one of the finest in the country. In its extensive history, it has evolved from a wooden palisade to the formidable fortress it is today.

Rate this castle

Reviews and impressions

Edward

I don't really rate this castle. Not much of a backdrop compared to others. My favorite castle has to be Eilean Donan; just stunning set on the shore of Loch Duich North West Scotland with the Cuillin Mountains of Skye very very Beautiful.

Katie Sampson

Just absolutely stunning.

Jackie Harm

An absolutely beautiful castle in a wonderful location!

Andrew Wood

The best castle in the world.

Liz Horn

Majestic, imposing castle Set on the most magnificent beach

Michelle Corbett

Between Bamburgh and Alnwick Castle two of my favourite castles in Northumberland

Maria Grazia

It is the best castle in all of England and probably Scotland too!!

Aston Stephens

The best castle in the world, on the best beach in the world, in the best county in the world

Karen Carins

My favourite place on earth!

Deanne Rawling

Stunning Castle. Atmospheric inside and outside. Great place to visit then there is the beach, miles of golden sand

Kyle Barnes

The best view in Britain!

Chris Castellan

We love it here living in this iconic landmark is truly a privilege.

Ami

One of the regions best!

Honey

A total showstopper! Second only to Carcassonne to me.

Rachel Coffey

Truly majestic castle in magnificent, beautiful and tranquil setting.

Caroline Wilkinson

Bamburgh castle is by far the most beautiful I have ever visited. Just stunning in every way inside and out. The back drop is also fantastic.

Joanne McGreevy

Majestic and beautiful set in a location which is second to none.

Norma Redhouse Glass

Fantastic castle, great staff and amazing views

Christine

Bamburgh is the most stunning landmark in the UK. Set high up over looking the sea it is absolutely spectacular both inside and outside. A must see castle.

Clare Rankin

Brilliant castle in gorgeous Northumberland, by far the best region in England

Vicki Watson

Total joy when just round a bend in the road and it comes into view

Chris Perry

Brilliant

Lynn Harrison

A stunning castle.

Ann Doohan

Beautiful Castle set in on the best beach in England.

Ann

Absoutely superb situation. Magnificent miles long beach to romp etc.
So peaceful, very friendly staff to explain its wonderful history and guide visitors around.

Peter Charleton

A magnificent castle with tremendous views across a fabulous county!

Donna

Stayed in Neville Tower this spring. It was amazing

Amanda White

The most amazing castle I have every visited from it stunning location perched on the sand dunes., to its inner court yard where we go every year to events

Brian Dingle

Just a perfect castle in a perfect location with a deep history.


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