Norham Castle, Norham (Northumberland)
Commanding a vital ford over the River Tweed, Norham was one of the strongest of the border castles.
Summary
- 13th century buildings (or older)
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Food and Drinks
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Introduction
Commanding a vital ford over the River Tweed, Norham was one of the strongest of the border castles, and the most often attacked by the Scots. Besieged at least 13 times - once for nearly a year by Robert Bruce - it was called 'the most dangerous and adventurous place in the country'. But even its powerful 12th-century keep and massive towered bailey walls could not resist James IV's heavy cannon, and it fell to him in 1513, shortly before his defeat at Flodden. The extensive 16th-century rebuilding which followed, adapting the fortress for its own artillery, is still clearly traceable
History to the present day
Built in 1121, Norham Castle was founded by Bishop Ranulph Flambard of Durham as the administrative centre for his northernmost territory. Occupying a strategic crossing point on the River Tweed, the castle was captured by the Scots in 1136 and having been returned to the Bishop it was again besieged two years later, and this time was largely destroyed.
Recognising the strategic importatnce of the castle's location, Henry II ordered that the castle be rebuilt in stone. Hugh de Puiset was the Bishop at the time and he oversaw extensive construction between 1157 and 1170, including the two storey Great Tower. Norham's location led several armies to its walls saw the castle successfully withstand sieges of forty days in 1215, almost a year in 1318 and seven months in 1319. Norham was finally captured in 1327, but was restored to the bishop the following year.
further building work was undertaken during the 15th Century, including the addition of another two floors to the Great Tower. In 1497 the castle was the subject of yet another unsuccessful seige, however this time the Scots did great damage with the enormous Mons Meg cannon, which can now be seen at Edinburgh Castle. In 1523 the castle finally fell to the Scots only to be returned three weeks later following the Scottish defeat at the Battle of Flodden. The castle fell into a poor state of repair, increasingly so after it lost it's strategic importance after 1603 when James VI of Scotland also became James I of England.
Arrival information and how to find us
Address: Norham Castle, Northumberland, , United Kingdom
Opening times:
Apr - Sep: Please call 0191 269 1200 for details Sat, & Sun
Photographs copyright English Heritage Photographic Library.
