Things to do in Notrthumberland

Bamburgh Castle is a historic fortress on the Northumberland coast of England, with origins dating back to the 6th century and a rich history spanning Anglo-Saxon kings, Viking raids, Norman conquest, and Victorian restoration. Historical Overview Bamburgh Castle sits atop a basalt crag 150 feet (46 meters) above the North Sea, providing a strategic vantage point over the coastline and nearby islands such as Lindisfarne and the Farne Islands. The site was originally a Celtic Brittonic fort known as Din Guarie and may have served as the capital of the kingdom of Bernicia from around 420 to 547. In 547, King Ida of Bernicia captured the site, establishing a timber stronghold that later evolved into a stone fortress under Norman rule in the 11th century. The castle’s keep, completed in 1164 during the reign of Henry II, remains a central feature. Bamburgh Castle has endured numerous attacks and sieges. It was sacked by Vikings in 993, besieged by Robert de Mowbray in 1095, and became the first English castle to fall to cannon fire during the Wars of the Roses in 1464. It also served as a royal residence for Northumbrian kings and later as a prison, holding King David II of Scotland after the Battle of Neville’s Cross in 1346. By the 18th century, the castle had fallen into disrepair. In 1894, Victorian industrialist William Armstrong purchased and extensively restored the castle, blending medieval and Victorian architectural elements. Today, it remains a private residence of the Armstrong family while being open to the public. Archaeological excavations have uncovered significant Anglo-Saxon artifacts, including the Bamburgh Sword and a gold plaque known as the Bamburgh Beast. The Bowl Hole Cemetery revealed remains of individuals from diverse regions, now housed in St Aidan’s Church crypt. The castle also hosts the Armstrong and Aviation Artefacts Museum, showcasing Victorian engineering and military history. Bamburgh Castle has inspired literature and media, appearing in Bernard Cornwell’s The Saxon Stories, films such as Elizabeth (1998) and Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny (2023), and television series including The Last Kingdom. Its legendary association with Joyous Gard, the mythical home of Sir Lancelot, adds to its cultural allure. Bamburgh Castle remains a symbol of Anglo-Saxon resilience, medieval power, and Victorian restoration, offering visitors a unique glimpse into over 1,400 years of English history.