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Bamburgh Castle
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- Name
- Bamburgh Castle
- Continent
- EUROPE
- Alt Name:
- -
- Country:
- United Kingdom
- Period:
- High Medieval (1000AD–1300AD)
- Sub-Region:
- -
- Date:
- 1100AD - 1199AD
- City/Town:
- Bamburgh
- Figure:
- Henry II of England
- Resorts:
- Bamburgh,
Newcastle upon Tyne,
- Related:
- Lindisfarne Priory, Berwick Castle,
Dunstanburgh Castle,
about Bamburgh Castle
Bamburgh Castle is a grand structure which looms high upon a crag overlooking the coast of Northumberland. It looks like everything one would expect of the former home of the kings of Northumbria, even though the castle which currently stands is actually relatively young.
The site upon which Bamburgh Castle is located is initially known to have been occupied by an ancient tribe known as the Votadini in circa 800 BC, however the first mention of Bamburgh Castle itself dates back to around 547 AD. At this time, the Anglo Saxons invaded and captured it. There they set up their capital, Din Guayrdi and built the first stronghold, the site where their kings would reside.
In 993 AD, this incarnation of Bamburgh Castle was destroyed by the Vikings and this was later replaced by a castle built by the Normans. In the twelfth century, King Henry II owned the land, where he built a keep. Remaining sections of this medieval structure can still be seen today, they being the oldest parts of the current Bamburgh Castle. However, most of Henry II’s work was not left to stand for long.
During the Wars of the Roses, Bamburgh Castle was attacked by Edward VI and severely damaged by what was then the latest weaponry. Thereafter, Bamburgh Castle passed hands several times, lying largely derelict. It was only in when it was sold to industrialist Lord Armstrong in 1894 that the Bamburgh Castle we see today began taking shape.
Armstrong restored Bamburgh Castle and it remains in the hands of his family today. It is now open to the public and displays several historical objects.
Just as empires rise and fall so do entry fees and opening hours! While we work as hard as we can to ensure the information provided here about Bamburgh Castle is as accurate as possible, the changing nature of certain elements mean we can't absolutely guarantee that these details won't become a thing of the past. If you know of any information on this page that needs updating you can add a comment above or now.
contact details
Address: Bamburgh, Northumberland NE69 7DF
Phone: +44(0)1668 214515
useful information
Directions:
Located in Bamburgh, approximately 52 miles north of Newcastle Upon Tyne along the A1.
Ticket Information:
Open 27 Feb-31 Oct, 10am-5pm and 1 Nov-18 Feb, 11am-4:30pm. Last entry 1 hr before closing. Entry costs £8 for adults, £4 for children, £7 for seniors, £20 for families, free for under 5s.
Links:
http://www.bamburghcastle.com
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