Bamburgh Castle

Introduction

Rising majestically above a basalt outcrop facing high dunes battered by the North Sea, Bamburgh Castle makes for one of the most stunning scenery in England. The site was originally home to a Celtic Brittonic fort known as Din Guarie and may have been the capital of the kingdom of Bernicia from around 420 CE. After changing hands numerous times throughout its storied past, including periods as a royal palace hosting monarchs such as John, Henry III, and Edward I, the castle became the first in England to fall to cannon fire during the Wars of the Roses. Today, the nine-acre castle remains inhabited and houses a unique collection of artwork, ceramics and objets d'art assembled by William George Armstrong, who purchased and restored the castle in 1894. Visitors can explore the fortress daily from 10:00am until 4:00pm, with the last admission at 3:00pm.

Interesting Facts about Bamburgh Castle

• Bamburgh Castle has stood guard over the Northumberland coastline for over 1,400 years.
• The site was originally a Celtic Brittonic fort known as Din Guarie and may have been the capital of the kingdom of Bernicia.
• The castle was captured by Anglo-Saxon King Ida in 547 CE, marking its transformation into a royal citadel.
• It was subjected to Viking invasions, including a destructive attack in 993 CE that left it in ruins for nearly a century.
• William Rufus built the medieval Keep in 1095, parts of which remain the oldest sections of the castle today.
• Bamburgh Castle became the first castle in England to fall to gunpowder during the Wars of the Roses in 1464.
• Industrialist William Armstrong purchased and restored Bamburgh Castle in 1894, turning it into the magnificent structure seen today.
• The castle spans nine acres and is one of the largest inhabited castles in Britain.
• Bamburgh Castle is believed to be associated with Sir Lancelot’s legendary castle, Joyous Garde.
• The site contains layers of history representing over 2,000 years of continuous occupation.

History

Bamburgh has one of the oldest history of any British castle. It was first fortifed circa 800 BCE by the Votadini, an Iron-Age Brittonic tribe whose territory expanded from south-east Scotland to north-east England (a region known in ancient times as Gododdin). This natural fortress was further developed by the Britons after the withdrawal of Roman troops in the 5th century CE. The Brittonic name of the place is recorded as Din Guayrdi or Din Guarie.

The crag was captured by the Anglo-Saxon king Ida of Bernicia in 547, and became the capital of the newly founded kingdom of Northumbria. Ida's grandson, the blood-thirsty Æthelfrith of Northumbria, renamed the place 'Bebbanburgh' after his wife, Bebba. After a brief exile in Ireland, their son, Oswald of Northumbria (604-642), returns to Bebbanburgh to be crowned king. Remembered as a moral and generous ruler, he grew into the most powerful of the seven Anglo-Saxon kings of England. Oswald was later canonised for inviting an Irish monk to his kingdom to convert his people to Christianity. The monk in question was Saint Aidan, who founded the monastery of Lindisfarne, 10 km north of Bamburgh, and became his first bishop. Lindisfarne would become one of the most properous monaesteries in Europe in the 7th and 8th centuries. Aidan is buried in Bamburgh.

The Vikings destroyed the original fortification in 993, exactly 200 years after sacking Lindisfarne. The castle was rebuilt by the Normans less than a century later. Under Norman rule, Northumbria was relegated to the status of vassal state, and though an important outpost at the border of Scotland, it never receovered its erstwhile glory.

In 1464, at the height of the War of the Roses, Bamburgh undergo a 9-month siege and eventually succumbs to the artillery assaults. It was the first castle in England to be destroyed by gunfire.

In 1610, King James I relinquishes royal possession of the castle and confers it to its last royal keeper, Claudius Forster. Bamburgh remained in private hands until 1701, when Dorothy Forster, bankrupt heiress of the Forster family, marries Lord Nathaniel Crew, Bishop of Durham.

After more than a century of neglect and deterioration, the castle is acquired in 1894 by a Newcastle industrialist, Lord William Armstrong (1810-1900), who renovates and transforms the medieval fortress into his country mansion. Lord Armstrong went as far as to install central heating and air conditioning in the fortress. His descendants still own and reside in the castle today.

Description

The Castle Exterior

As you approach, you'll be struck by the castle's imposing silhouette against the sky. Its formidable stone walls and towers have stood guard over the coastline for centuries, creating an awe-inspiring first impression. The Norman wall at the northern end of the site is particularly noteworthy, showcasing the castle's ancient defensive architecture. The castle's distinctive pink-hued sandstone glows magnificently in the morning and evening light, creating a photographer's dream. The main entrance, with its grand gateway and drawbridge pit, offers a tantalising glimpse of what lies beyond, while the curtain walls, punctuated by towers and battlements, speak to the castle's military significance throughout the ages.

The Inner Ward

Upon entering the castle grounds, you'll find yourself in the Inner Ward, a hub of activity and history. Here, you can admire the Clock Tower, built atop the Medieval Belle Tower, and the imposing Great Tower or Keep, which dates back to the 12th century. The King's Hall, retaining its medieval floor plan, offers a glimpse into the castle's grand past. The cobbled courtyard, worn smooth by centuries of footsteps, creates an atmospheric setting as you wander amongst the various buildings that make up this complex fortress. The juxtaposition of architectural styles—from Norman and medieval to Victorian—tells the story of the castle's evolution through the centuries.

State Rooms and Artefacts

Bamburgh Castle boasts 14 public rooms, each filled with fascinating artefacts that span centuries of history. You'll encounter an impressive collection of arms and armour, exquisite porcelain, period furniture, and captivating artwork. These treasures, carefully curated, offer a window into the lives of the castle's former inhabitants and the rich history of Northumberland.

The Cross Hall, with its vaulted ceiling and impressive fireplace, serves as an introduction to the grandeur that awaits. The Billiard Room, though Victorian in character, contains medieval stonework and artefacts that hint at its ancient origins. The Library, with its extensive collection of rare books and manuscripts, provides a peaceful retreat amongst leather-bound volumes and polished wood.

The Great Hall

The magnificent Great Hall stands as the centrepiece of Bamburgh Castle's interior. This vast space, with its soaring ceiling and grand proportions, was designed to impress and intimidate in equal measure. Adorned with heraldic emblems, suits of armour, and weaponry from various periods, the hall evokes the power and prestige of those who once held court here. The enormous fireplace, large enough to roast an ox, dominates one wall, whilst tapestries and banners add colour and warmth to the stone surroundings. Look up to admire the intricately carved hammer-beam roof, a masterpiece of craftsmanship that has sheltered countless banquets and gatherings over the centuries.

The Armstrong Collection

A highlight of your visit will be the unique collection assembled by William George Armstrong, the 19th-century industrialist who restored the castle. His eclectic assortment of artwork, ceramics, and objets d'art adds a personal touch to the castle's grandeur and provides insight into Victorian tastes and interests. Armstrong's passion for innovation is reflected in the diverse nature of his collection, which includes everything from Japanese porcelain to Renaissance paintings. The Drawing Room showcases some of the finest pieces, including delicate Meissen figurines and ornate French furniture, all displayed against the backdrop of Armstrong's sympathetic restoration of the castle's medieval structure.

The King's Room

The King's Room, one of the most sumptuous chambers in the castle, takes its name from the royal visitors who have rested within its walls. The magnificent four-poster bed, draped in rich fabrics, dominates the space, while gilt-framed portraits of nobles and monarchs gaze down from the walls. The room's ornate plasterwork ceiling, featuring intricate patterns and motifs, draws the eye upward, while the antique furnishings—including a writing desk that once belonged to a Stuart monarch—speak to the castle's connections to the highest echelons of British society.

Archaeological Wonders

For history enthusiasts, the ongoing archaeological work at Bamburgh Castle is a treat. You might catch a glimpse of archaeologists at work during the summer months, unearthing new discoveries that continue to shed light on the castle's ancient past. The Archaeological Museum, housed within the castle walls, displays a fascinating array of finds, from Anglo-Saxon jewellery to medieval pottery shards. Each artefact tells a story of daily life at Bamburgh through the ages, from humble cooking utensils to ornate decorative pieces that once adorned the castle's grand chambers.

The Walled Garden

Adjacent to the castle, you'll find the recently reimagined Bamburgh Walled Garden. This enchanting space offers a delightful contrast to the castle's imposing stonework. Wander through the sensory garden, where a kaleidoscope of colours, textures, and scents await. The garden features playful mazes, a charming wishing well, and plenty of quiet spots for relaxation and contemplation.

The garden's design pays homage to different historical periods, with formal Tudor-inspired knot gardens giving way to more naturalistic Victorian plantings. Seasonal blooms ensure there's always something new to discover, from spring bulbs and summer roses to autumn dahlias and winter evergreens. The ancient walls that surround the garden not only provide shelter from the North Sea winds but also create a microclimate that allows for the cultivation of plants that might otherwise struggle in Northumberland's climate.

The Victorian Stables

The beautifully preserved Victorian Stables complex offers a fascinating glimpse into the working life of the castle during the 19th century. The cobbled courtyard, surrounded by stone buildings with their distinctive arched doorways, houses exhibits relating to transportation and the daily operations that kept the castle functioning. Original features, including hay mangers and tack rooms, remain intact, while displays of carriages, harnesses, and equestrian equipment illustrate the importance of horses to castle life. The stables also house a collection of vintage vehicles that belonged to the Armstrong family, showcasing the transition from horse-drawn transport to the automobile age.

The Keep and Battlements

The Keep, the oldest and most formidable part of Bamburgh Castle, offers visitors the chance to step back in time and experience the fortress as it would have appeared in the medieval period. Climb the narrow, winding staircases to reach the battlements, where you can walk in the footsteps of sentries who once kept watch for approaching enemies. The thick stone walls, with their arrow slits and defensive features, speak to the castle's primary purpose as a military stronghold. From this elevated position, you can appreciate the strategic importance of Bamburgh's location, with commanding views in all directions that would have been crucial for the castle's defenders.

The Coastal Battery

On the seaward side of the castle, you'll discover the Coastal Battery, a later addition to Bamburgh's defences. This artillery platform, with its cannon pointing out to sea, was designed to protect the castle and surrounding coastline from naval attacks. The battery offers some of the most spectacular views from the castle, with the dramatic coastline stretching away in both directions. On clear days, you can see all the way to the Farne Islands, Holy Island (Lindisfarne), and even as far as the Scottish border.

Breathtaking Views

No visit to Bamburgh Castle is complete without taking in the panoramic views from its lofty position. Gaze out over the North Sea, watching waves crash against the shore, and take in the sweeping vistas of the Northumberland coast. On a clear day, you might even spot the Farne Islands in the distance, home to thousands of seabirds and a significant grey seal colony. To the south, the golden sands of Bamburgh Beach stretch for miles, while to the north, the Holy Island of Lindisfarne creates a distinctive silhouette on the horizon. The ever-changing light, influenced by the coastal weather, means that no two visits offer quite the same visual experience, with misty mornings giving way to sun-dappled afternoons or dramatic stormy skies.

The Castle Grounds

Beyond the formal gardens and structures, Bamburgh Castle's extensive grounds offer plenty to explore. Walking paths wind through areas of woodland and open grassland, providing different perspectives of the castle and its coastal setting. Wildlife abounds in these more natural areas, with rabbits, various bird species, and even the occasional deer to be spotted by patient observers. The grounds also feature several viewpoints strategically positioned to showcase the castle against its dramatic backdrop, perfect for those seeking the ideal photograph to commemorate their visit.

A Living Castle

As you explore, remember that Bamburgh Castle is not just a historical monument but a living, breathing home. It remains the private residence of the Armstrong family, adding an extra layer of intrigue to your visit as you walk through rooms that continue to be part of a family's daily life. This continuity of occupation lends Bamburgh an authenticity that many other historic properties lack—here, history is not frozen in time but continues to evolve with each passing generation. Family photographs displayed alongside priceless antiques, modern conveniences discreetly incorporated into historic settings, and the occasional glimpse of private quarters all serve as reminders that Bamburgh Castle bridges the gap between past and present.

Getting There

To reach Bamburgh Castle, located in the picturesque village of Bamburgh, Northumberland, you can drive via the A1 and then take the A697 towards Coldstream. From there, follow signs to Bamburgh. The castle is approximately 54 miles from the Port of Tyne, taking about 1 hour and 25 minutes by car. Alternatively, you can use public transport, though options may be limited, so it's advisable to plan ahead. Once you arrive, parking is available at the castle's private car park, which is payable by contactless payment only. The castle is open daily from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM, with last admissions at 3:00 PM, making it an ideal day trip destination for those exploring Northumberland's stunning coastline.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Bamburgh Castle is during the summer months, particularly July and August, when the weather is generally warm and sunny, with maximum daytime temperatures ranging from 22 to 30°C. These conditions make it ideal for exploring the castle's grounds and enjoying the scenic views of the Northumberland coastline. However, if you prefer fewer crowds, consider visiting during the spring or early autumn, when the weather is still pleasant and the atmosphere is more relaxed. Bamburgh Castle is open all year round, so you can plan your visit according to your preference, though it's advisable to check for any special events or closures before heading out.