Bamburgh Castle is famous for its rich history, impressive architecture, and stunning location on a rocky plateau overlooking the Northumberland coastline. It is one of the largest inhabited castles in the country, spanning nine acres of land, and has been occupied for thousands of years. The castle has served as a royal palace, a stronghold, a garrison, and a prison, and has played a significant role in the history of England.
Bamburgh Castle’s Impressive Location
Bamburgh Castle is located on the coast of Northumberland, overlooking the North Sea. It is situated on a rocky plateau, making it an impressive and imposing sight from the beach below. The castle’s location offers stunning views of the Northumberland coastline, including the nearby Farne Islands and Lindisfarne.
Bamburgh Castle’s Rich History
The castle has a long and complex history, with evidence of human occupation on the site dating back thousands of years. It has been a royal palace, a stronghold, a garrison, and a prison, and has played a significant role in the history of England.
The Castle’s Early History
The earliest known settlement on the site of Bamburgh Castle dates back to the 6th century AD, when it was the capital of the Anglo-Saxon kingdom of Northumbria. The castle was later rebuilt and fortified by the Normans in the 11th century, and it continued to serve as a royal residence and stronghold throughout the Middle Ages.
The Castle’s Role in the Wars of the Roses
During the Wars of the Roses in the 15th century, Bamburgh Castle was a key stronghold for the Lancastrian faction. It was besieged and captured several times by the Yorkists, and the castle’s fate was closely tied to the outcome of the conflict.
The Castle’s Decline and Restoration
After the Wars of the Roses, Bamburgh Castle fell into decline and was eventually abandoned. In the 19th century, the castle was purchased by the Armstrong family, who undertook a massive restoration project to bring the castle back to its former glory. Today, the castle is one of the largest inhabited castles in the country and is a popular tourist attraction.
Bamburgh Castle’s Impressive Architecture
The castle is an impressive example of medieval architecture, with walls up to 15 feet thick and a keep that is over 100 feet tall. The castle has been extensively restored and renovated over the years, but much of its original character and charm have been preserved.
The Castle’s Defensive Features
Bamburgh Castle was built to be a formidable defensive structure, with thick walls, towers, and a keep that were designed to withstand sieges and attacks. The castle’s location on a rocky plateau also made it a difficult target for invaders.
The Castle’s Architectural Styles
The castle’s architecture reflects the various periods of its history, with elements of Anglo-Saxon, Norman, and medieval styles. The castle’s keep, for example, is a classic example of Norman architecture, while the castle’s outer walls and towers were built in the 15th century.
Bamburgh Castle’s Museum and Collections
The castle is home to a museum with a collection of extraordinary finds from the Anglo-Saxon period, as well as a unique collection of artwork, ceramics, and objets d’art from the Victorian era.
The Anglo-Saxon Collection
The museum’s Anglo-Saxon collection includes a range of artifacts, including jewelry, metalwork, and pottery, that provide insight into the daily lives and cultural practices of the people who lived in the castle during the Anglo-Saxon period.
The Victorian Collection
The castle’s Victorian collection includes a range of artwork, ceramics, and objets d’art that were collected by the Armstrong family during their restoration of the castle in the 19th century. This collection provides a glimpse into the tastes and interests of the Victorian era.
Practical Information for Visiting Bamburgh Castle
If you’re planning a visit to Bamburgh Castle, here are some practical details to keep in mind:
Opening Times and Admission Prices
The castle is open daily from 10am to 5pm (last admission 4pm) from April to October, and weekends only from 11am to 4.30pm (last admission 3.30pm) from November to March. Adult tickets cost £11.50, child tickets (age 5-15) cost £5.50, and family tickets (2 adults and up to 3 children) cost £30.00. There are also discounts available for groups of 15 or more.
Contact Information
The castle can be contacted by phone on 01668 214515 or by email at info@bamburghcastle.com.
References:
– Bamburgh Castle Official Website
– Bamburgh Castle History
– Bamburgh Castle on Wikipedia
– Bamburgh Castle on Britannica