Barnard Castle
Barnard Castle is a situated in the town of Barnard in County Durham. The castle is in ruins. Interesting features remaining are the ruins of 12th century cylindrical tower and the 14th century Great Hall and Great Chamber. It is a Scheduled Ancient Monument and a Grade I listed building. The castle is managed by English Heritage, a body responsible for protecting the historical environment, and is open to the public.
A stone castle was built on the site around the end of the 11th century by Guy de Baliol. In 1216 the castle was besieged by Alexander II, King of Scotland. When John Baliol was overthrown as King of Scotland in 1296 the castle was taken over by the Bishop of Durham. In the 15th century the castle passed to the Neville family. During the Wars of the Roses, Richard III took possession of the castle. Barnard Castle was abandoned in the 17th century.