Wark on Tweed Castle, Medieval fortress in Carham, England
Wark on Tweed Castle is a ruined motte-and-bailey castle in Carham, in the north of England, set on a raised earthen mound above the River Tweed. The mound is ringed by ditches and banks that still clearly outline the original layout, and some stone walls from the later keep remain standing.
The castle was built in the early 12th century as a Norman border stronghold and changed hands many times between England and Scotland over the following centuries. It was destroyed and rebuilt more than once before being abandoned in the later medieval period.
The castle sits in a border region that was fought over for centuries, and that history is still easy to feel when walking the earthworks. Locals and visitors use the open grounds as a place to walk and take in the wide views over the River Tweed.
The site is accessible on foot via public footpaths and can be visited without a ticket or booking. The terrain around the mound can be uneven, so sturdy footwear is a good idea, especially after rain.
The site is linked to the story behind the founding of the Order of the Garter, when King Edward III is said to have picked up a garter dropped by a lady and made a remark that became the order's motto. Historians still debate whether this event actually took place here, making the connection part legend and part history.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
