Barnard Castle, Market town in County Durham, England
Barnard Castle is a market town in County Durham in northeast England, stretching along the north bank of the River Tees. Above the water rise medieval stone remains on a high rock outcrop.
Bernard de Balliol founded the fortress in the 12th century as a Norman stronghold near the Scottish border. It passed through several noble families and gradually fell into ruin after the 17th century.
The name comes from the Norman nobleman whose fortress shaped the settlement and still stands in fragmentary form above the river. Visitors browse shops around the Market Place and walk along the waterfront where merchants once traded goods.
The central Market Place lies within walking distance of most streets and offers antique shops and local food sellers. A monthly farmers market lets visitors discover regional products and talk with traders.
The Market Cross from 1747 shows two bullet holes in its weather vane, created during a shooting contest in 1804. Marksmen used the vane as a target and left visible marks on the historic structure.
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