Morpeth Castle, Northumberland
A Brief Introduction to Morpeth Castle
Image courtesy of The Landmark Trust.
Morpeth Castle, in Northumberland, England, has a rich and varied history. There has been a castle in Morpeth since Norman times. In the early fourteenth century, it underwent significant reconstruction, and it was during this period that the stone gatehouse, which still stands today, was built. The gatehouse, now the most prominent remaining feature, served both as a defensive structure and as the main entrance to the castle.
Morpeth Castle played a crucial role during several historical conflicts. In 1215, it was besieged by King John during the rebellion of the northern barons. Later, during the Civil War, the castle was again embroiled in conflict between Parliamentary and Royalist forces.
Images with kind permission from The Landmark Trust.
The castle’s importance continued into the Tudor period. In the early sixteenth century, it was held by the Dacre family, who entertained the widowed Queen of Scotland, Margaret Tudor, sister of Henry VIII at Morpeth. The once lavish castle fell into disrepair by the seventeenth century.
In the nineteenth century, the castle was partially restored by the Countess of Carlisle. The gatehouse was converted into a residence, which is how it has been preserved to the present day. Today, Morpeth Castle is owned by The Landmark Trust, a charity dedicated to preserving historic buildings. The gatehouse has been restored and is available for holiday rentals, allowing visitors to experience a piece of history first-hand.
You can find a detailed history of Morpeth Castle here.
Stay at Morpeth Castle
Beautifully restored, the gatehouse is surrounded by parkland on a plateau above the town of Morpeth, a short drive from the Northumberland coast. It accommodates up to seven people (one single bed, two twin beds, one double) across two floors with a first-floor open-plan living area. The gatehouse is a light, bright space. Guests should be aware that there is a stone spiral staircase.
Morpeth is the perfect base for exploring the local area with amenities for a comfortable stay and nearby parking. Dogs are welcome.
Images with kind permission from The Landmark Trust.
Historic Properties Nearby
Brinkburn Priory (12 miles). A stunning twelfth-century church of the Augustinian priory of Brinkburn and one of the best examples of early Gothic architecture in Northumberland.
Alnwick Castle (20 miles). The second largest inhabited castle in the UK, Alnwick Castle has over 950 years of history to discover, and its origins date back to the Norman period.
Jedburgh Abbey (49 miles). One of four great abbeys established in the Scottish Borders in the 1100s, Jedburgh is striking for its unusual mix of Romanesque and early Gothic architecture.
Hadrian’s Wall (55 miles). Stretching 73 miles from coast to coast, Hadrian’s Wall was built to guard the wild north-west frontier of the Roman Empire. Discover the remains of the forts, and towns that once kept watch over the Wall. See rare Roman artefacts and take in spectacular views of the rugged landscape.
Visitor Information
For more details on the accommodation, check out Morpeth Castle on The Landmark Trust’s website.
Contact Details: Use the booking functionality on the website, call (+44) 1628 825925 or email bookings@landmarktrust.org.uk.
Address: Morpeth Castle, Castle Cottage, Morpeth, NE61 2PP.
