Bellingham Castle, Medieval motte and bailey fortress in Northumberland, England
Bellingham Castle comprises the remains of a medieval fortress built on a mound called Hallsfield near the village of Bellingham. The site retains traces of its fortifications, with earthwork features typical of medieval motte and bailey designs visible in the landscape.
The de Bellingham family built the fortress during the reign of Richard II in the late medieval period. The fortifications were subsequently abandoned and gradually disappeared from view over the centuries.
The place takes its name from the de Bellingham family who originally owned and shaped the land. Today it stands as a quiet reminder of their control over the countryside and the power structures of medieval times.
The site is located in the Northumberland countryside about 5 miles (8 km) east of Dally Castle. The terrain is uneven with grass-covered earthworks, so sturdy footwear is advisable when exploring the remains.
The land where the fortress stood was initially granted as a liberty to the King of Scotland in 1157, long before any fortifications were built there. This reveals how contested this border region was between English and Scottish powers in the medieval period.
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