Keith began by asking what it was that made a castle. It is generally accepted that castles are fortifications built in stone and are usually associated with post Norman Conquest. Keith listed 7 castles in County Durham and then described each of them in more detail. The following is a brief summary:
The largest is Durham. Although originally, it was an earth and timber fortress, the present stone castle was built in the 11th and 12th centuries. Much of the surviving castle is mediaeval although it has been altered considerably over the centuries. The castle might not be here today had the foundations not been stabilised at great expense in the 1920s. The magnificent 1st floor entrance, now in the Norman Gallery, was hidden for many years.
Barnard Castle, built from 1093, is the 2nd largest and is positioned over an important crossing of the Tees. The present properties and their plots on Horsemarket, were built from the 16th century onwards and encroach over the filled castle ditch and its margins. The castle last saw action during the “Rising of the North” in 1569 when George Bowes and 500 men held the castle for the King against 5,000 parliamentary forces. The siege lasted only 11 days but provided valuable time for the Royalist forces to assemble.
Bishopton Castle is an exceptionally well-preserved 12th century Norman motte and bailey. Roger de Conyers fortified the site around 1143. The motte would have been built up in layers probably of earth, clay and gravel, much of it taken from the ditch and there would have been a timber structure on the top. Hundreds of workers would have been employed. As an aside Keith mentioned that there were 3 mottes embroidered on the Bayeux Tapestry.
Bowes Castle was built on the site of an important Roman fort by orders of Henry 2nd. It was strategically important, guarding the Stainmore Pass. The main entrance leading to the massive three storey stone keep is on the 1st floor, similar to Durham.
Brancepeth Castle looks Norman, but it isn’t. It began as a Norman fortified site which was progressively rebuilt into a substantial stone fortress and in the 14th century became the principal seat of the Nevilles of Brancepeth. The Neville’s and the castle related to the rebel’s activities during the Rising of the North. The castle is currently owned and being restored by the Dobson family.
Both Raby and Lumley castles were built in the Middle Ages and are associated with powerful Northern English families, the Vanes and the Nevilles. The castles display similar quadrangular layouts, substantial towers and other architectural features that historians associate with the architect John Lewyn.
As to why did the castles fell into disrepair, Keith suggested that they ceased to be useful.
Report by Ian Reid