Structure Name: Morpeth Castle

Description:
 

The Gatehouse and much-repaired curtain wall are the only surviving elements of Morpeth Castle. The Gatehouse is a three storey building running northwest to southeast, with a central carriage arch leading into the grounds, and a single storey Tudor-Gothic style stable block projecting from the rear. The parapet and corner turrets atop the gatehouse are 19th century restorations, and hide a gabled roof with end chimney stacks.
 

Extant: Yes

Legal Status: Listed Building Grade I, Scheduled Ancient Monument

Location: Morpeth, NORTHUMBERLAND

Eastings: 420000m (view map)

Northings: 585470m (view map)

Position Accuracy: 20m

Positional Confidence: Absolute Certainty

Structure Types Identified: APARTMENT, CASTLE, CURTAIN WALL, GATEHOUSE, STABLE

Historical Background
 

In 1644 Morpeth Castle was described as ruinous and uninhabitable, and remained so until restoration of the gatehouse for the Earl of Carlisle. The gatehouse was occupied until the 1960s, and was renovated c.1990 by the Landmark Trust.
 

Chronology:

• 1342 - 1349   Construction of Morpeth Castle for William de Greystock.
      Entities Involved:
            de Greystock, William: Commissioned works.
• 1857 - 1858   Gatehouse restored for the Earl of Carlisle.
• LATE 20TH CENTURY   Gatehouse gutted by vandals.
• 1989 - 1990   Restored and converted to holiday home by the Landmark Trust.
      Entities Involved:
            The Landmark Trust: Owners.

Notes
 

There have been suggestions that the gatehouse was built as a courthouse rather than a defence.
 

References:

• Images of England
• Keys To The Past
• Northumberland SMR

The information displayed in this page has been derived from authoritative sources, including any referenced above. Although substantial efforts were made to verify this information, the SINE project cannot guarantee its correctness or completeness.

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