Morpeth Castle

Morpeth Castle is a fortified structure in Northumberland featuring a stone curtain wall and medieval gatehouse that still stands today on a hilltop overlooking the River Wansbeck. The main surviving building dates from the 1340s and retains its distinctive entrance tower and defensive walls.

An 11th-century motte-and-bailey fortification once occupied the site but was destroyed in 1216. A new fortress rose in the 1340s, marking the beginning of the stone castle that visitors see today.

This fortress served as a refuge for royalty fleeing political turmoil in the 1500s, reflecting its role as a strategic stronghold between Scotland and England. Visitors can see how the castle's position made it valuable for those seeking protection during troubled times.

The gatehouse can be viewed from outside and sits on a hill easily reached by walking through town. The interior is not open to casual visitors, but the grounds offer good views and are worth seeing from the exterior.

In 1644, a small garrison of Scottish soldiers defended the fortress against a much larger Royalist force during the English Civil War. This unequal siege lasted around 3 weeks and demonstrates how important the site was to both sides of the conflict.

Location: Morpeth

GPS coordinates: 55.16340,-1.68719

Latest update: December 8, 2025 19:47