Structure Name: Bamburgh Castle

Description:
 

Large medieval castle on a high stone outcrop above the village of Bamburgh, with evidence of an earlier Anglo-Saxon fortification beneath. The castle is centred around its 12th century keep, and was restored in 1890. Sections of the castle have been divided into apartments.
 

Extant: Yes

Legal Status: Listed Building Grade I

Location: Bamburgh Castle, NORTHUMBERLAND

Eastings: 418300m (view map)

Northings: 635100m (view map)

Position Accuracy: 200m

Positional Confidence: Absolute Certainty

Structure Types Identified: APARTMENT, CASTLE, MUSEUM

Historical Background
 

This imposing mediaeval castle was built in the 12th century, and had fallen into ruin by the early 18th century, when acquired by Lord Crewe. On his death the castle fell into the hands of Dr Sharpe, a trustee of the charity endowed in Crewe's will, and in 1757 the castle was made habitable, and various buildings converted into school, infirmary, lighthouse and granary.

In the 19th century the castle was appropriated by Lord Armstrong, and between 1894 and 1904 extensively restored. The Armstrong family still live in the castle, most of which is open to the public.
 

Chronology:

• 12TH CENTURY AD   Keep, chapel and wards constructed.
• 1757   Castle refurbished and made habitable by a Dr Sharpe. Buildings used as an infirmary, school, lighthouse and granary.
      Entities Involved:
            Dr Sharpe: Refurbished Bamburgh Castle.
• 19TH CENTURY AD   Restoration of Smith Gate. Construction of apartments on south side of castle and stable block on west side.
• 1894 - 1904   Entire site extensively restored and rebuilt to the orders of Lord Armstrong by CJ Ferguson.
      Entities Involved:
            Ferguson, C J: Rebuilt Bamburgh Castle at the end of the 19th century.
            Sir William George Armstrong: Ordered reconstruction of Bamburgh Castle.

References:

• Images of England
• Keys To The Past
• Northumberland SMR
• Pevsner, N., Richmond, I., Grundy, J., McCombie, G., Ryder, P. and Welfare, H. (2001) The Buildings of England: Northumberland. London, Penguin Books, pp.154-157

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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