Bamburgh Castle Museum, located in the northeast coast of England, is a part of the historic Bamburgh Castle that has been a significant site since the early 5th century. The castle, which is a Grade I listed building, was originally a Celtic Brittonic fort known as Din Guarie and may have been the capital of the kingdom of Bernicia. The current castle was built by the Normans on the site of the original fort, which was destroyed by Vikings in 993.
The Armstrong and Aviation Artefacts Museum
The Bamburgh Castle Museum features the Armstrong and Aviation Artefacts Museum, which is located in the castle’s laundry rooms and mainly displays aviation artefacts from World War II. The museum is partly open for the public, and for current visiting hours, it is recommended to visit the website of the museum.
Highlights of the Aviation Artefacts Museum
- Displays a collection of World War II aviation artefacts, including aircraft parts, uniforms, and other memorabilia
- Showcases the history of the Armstrong family’s involvement in the aviation industry
- Provides a unique perspective on the role of aviation in the region’s history
Archaeological Discoveries at Bamburgh Castle
Apart from the aviation museum, Bamburgh Castle also has a rich archaeological history. Excavations started in the 1960s by Brian Hope-Taylor discovered the gold plaque known as the Bamburgh Beast and the Bamburgh Sword.
The Bamburgh Research Project
The Bamburgh Research Project, which has been investigating the archaeology and history of the castle and Bamburgh area since 1996, has focused on the fortress site and the early medieval burial ground at the Bowl Hole. During excavations at the Bowl Hole between 1998 and 2007, the remains of 120 individuals from the 7th and 8th century were discovered, providing evidence of individuals who had originated from Ireland, Scotland, Scandinavia, the Mediterranean, and North Africa.
Filming Locations and Visitor Information
The castle is also a popular filming location, having starred in productions such as Transformers: The Last Knight, Frontier, and The Last Kingdom. It is open all year round from 10.00 am to 5.00 pm, with reduced hours during winter. Tickets can be pre-booked online, and the castle offers free admission for carers accompanying disabled visitors. Parking is available on-site for a fee, and dogs are allowed in the castle’s outdoor grounds.
Accessibility and COVID-19 Measures
In terms of accessibility, the castle has a steep incline on the access road, but a new shuttle service is in operation for visitors with reduced mobility. The castle is also a certified Covid-secure attraction and is VisitEngland We’re Good To Go accredited, with measures in place to ensure the safety of visitors during their visit.
Conclusion
Bamburgh Castle Museum offers a unique perspective on the history of the castle and the region, with a particular focus on its archaeological and aviation heritage. Visitors can explore the castle’s staterooms, including the castle’s centrepiece – The King’s Hall, and discover the stories behind every stone. The museum is partly open for the public, and current visiting hours can be found on the museum’s website. The castle is open all year round, and tickets can be pre-booked online.
References:
– Bamburgh Castle – Wikipedia
– Bamburgh Castle Aviation Artefacts Museum – TracesOfWar.com
– Bamburgh Castle: Homepage
– Bamburgh Castle | Visit Northumberland
– Bamburgh Castle – All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024) – Tripadvisor