Barnard Castle (Durham)

Introduction

Barnard Castle is spectacularly set on a high rock above the River Tees, on the fringe of an attractive market town. Taking its name from its 12th-century founder, Bernard de Balliol, this huge and imposing fortress was later developed by the Beauchamp family and Richard III. Richard's boar emblem is carved above a window in the inner ward, the castle's chief strength: here loyalist forces were besieged during the 1569 Northern Rising against Queen Elizabeth, before surrendering to 5,000 rebels. There are fine views over the Tees Gorge, and a 'sensory garden' of scented plants and tactile objects.

History to the present day

The castle was built by Bernard Balliol between 1112 - 1132. Bernard's father, Guy de Baliol, had come to England as part of William the Conqueror's invading Norman army and was given the land on which the castle was built by William Rufus, around 1093. The fortress became a focus for settlement in the same way as its Roman predecessors, and the town of Barnard Castle built up around it.

The Castle was an important stronghold throughout the centuries that followed. In 1569 the castle was beseiged by Mary Queen of Scots during the "Rising of the North" which was conceived at the nearby Raby Castle. The castle was held for eleven days on behalf of Queen Elizabeth I, by Sir George Bowes of Streatlam and was eventually forced to surrender it (albeit honorably). This was probably the Castle's most significant contribution to history, as although the rebels eventually succeeded in taking the Castle, the delay greatly hindered the rebels' impetus and ultimately the "Great Rebellion" foundered and failed.
 

Arrival information and how to find us

Opening times:

1 April - 30 September: 10.00am - 6.00pm
1 October - 1 November: 10.00am - 4.00pm
2 November - 31 March: 10.00am - 4.00pm

24 - 26 December and 1 January Closed  

Admission prices: 

Adult:£4.00, Children:£2.00, Concession:£3.40

Photgraphs copyright of English Heritage Photographic Library