Bamburgh Castle: A restored fortress with a long history


Bamburgh Castle
Today, I am posting information on Bamburgh Castle, a structure which was lavishly restored by shipping magnate, Lord Armstrong in the late 19th century on a site with a long history of occupation stretching back into pre-history.

Location is about 51 miles north of Newcastle-upon-Tyne in N.E. England.

As a fortification, elements, principally St. Oswald’s Gate, date back to the 8th century but the current castle has evolved from a Norman template with the Keep dating from the 12th century.
Inside the castle, the King’s Hall is a 19th century masterpiece built on a medieval floor plan. This is shown in the video clip at foot of this post. Note the impressive ceiling made from Siamese teak with a false hammer-beam ceiling held together with over 1300 oak pins. Other rooms include:
  • The Great Kitchen
  • Medieval Store Rooms
  • Buttery
  • Cross Hall
  • Captains’ Lodgings
  • Faire Chamber
  • Armoury
  • Court Room
  • Scullery
  • Kitchen
  • Archaeology Room
  • Larder and Dairy
Bamburgh is the first castle in England to have fallen to cannon fire, in 1464, when under siege during the Wars of the Roses. Henry VI ruled from here for a short period in 1461.

Cliff edge location adds to romantic appeal.



Bamburgh Castle from West


State Rooms



Sea Defences




The Keep

Inside King’s Hall at Bamburgh Castle

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