Brancepeth Castle, Co Durham
A Brief Introduction to Brancepeth Castle
Image courtesy of brancepethcastle.org.uk.
Brancepeth Castle is a historic medieval fortress located in the village of Brancepeth, County Durham. It stands on the site of a former Norman motte-and-bailey castle and has a rich history dating back over nine hundred years.
The castle was originally built by the Bulmer family, who were Norman nobles. In the fourteenth century, during the reign of King Edward III, the castle came into the possession of the powerful Neville family through marriage. The Nevilles were one of the most prominent noble families in England at the time and held influence in the northern regions.
Under the ownership of the Nevilles, Brancepeth Castle underwent significant reconstruction and expansion. The original wooden fortifications were replaced with more substantial stone structures, reflecting the military and social status of the Neville family. In 1569, Brancepeth was confiscated by the Crown following the family’s involvement in the Rising of the North.
John Preston Neale, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons.
Brancepeth Castle witnessed periods of prosperity, as well as times of turmoil. During the Wars of the Roses, it is thought the castle played a strategic role in controlling the region and securing the Neville family’s power base. In the Civil War, it was garrisoned by Royalist forces but surrendered to Parliamentarian troops. After the war, the castle was partially dismantled and it wasn’t until the late nineteenth century that restoration work began on the castle. Today, Brancepeth stands as a symbol of the enduring legacy of medieval England. It is is now owned privately but the principal rooms are open to the public.
If you’re interested in finding out more about the Rising of the North, head to The Tudor History & Travel Show‘s podcast episode at Markenfield Hall here.
Stay at Brancepeth Castle
Guests can stay in Quartermaster’s, a light, bright south-facing ground floor flat adjoining the castle. With a single and double bedroom and an en-suite and separate shower room, the flat is suitable for up to three guests. The letting period is for a minimum of four nights. The flat is wheelchair friendly but no pets are not allowed.
Historic Properties Nearby
County Durham is rich in history. While there aren’t specific Tudor places to visit, some of the county’s historic sites are centuries old. Here are some suggestions:
Durham Heritage Centre and Museum – covers medieval to present day history (5 miles)
Durham Cathedral and Durham City – the present cathedral building was substantially completed between 1093 and 1133. Margaret Tudor stayed at the Archbishop’s Palace at Durham on her way to Scotland to be married (6 miles)
Auckland Castle (7 miles)
Raby Castle – medieval connections (15 miles)
Egglestone Abbey – dates back to the thirteenth century (23 miles)
Visitor Information
For more details on the accommodation, check out Brancepeth Castle’s website.
Contact Details: Use the contact form here or call 01913 789670.
Address: Brancepeth Castle, Brancepeth, Durham DH7 8DF.
