Mitford Castle

Mitford Castle stands on a natural hill above the River Wansbeck with stone walls that date back to the early Norman period. The site contains the remains of an unusual five-sided keep located within the bailey, along with other defensive structures.

The castle was established after the Norman Conquest when the site was granted to Richard Bertram, a knight in William's service. Over time the earthwork fortifications evolved into stone structures that exemplified early Norman building techniques.

The castle shows how Norman lords adapted their building style to the local landscape, using the natural hill as the foundation for defense. You can see how practical considerations shaped the fortress design rather than purely military theory.

The site can be reached via the B6343 road from Morpeth, with parking available near the church across from the castle grounds. Since public access to the interior is limited, visitors should plan to view the castle from the surrounding areas and exterior viewpoints.

The keep has a rare five-sided shape, unusual for Norman castles and showing how builders responded to specific site conditions. Despite its historical importance, the castle appears on the Buildings at Risk Register, facing challenges from time and weather.

Location: Mitford

GPS coordinates: 55.16330,-1.73463

Latest update: December 8, 2025 19:43