Name: Norham Castle
Rating: 5.0

Norham Castle

Castle Street, Norham, Berwick-upon-Tweed, UK

1-99 Years

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Description

Norham ranks among the finest sights in the border country. Set high on a grassy mound, commanding a vital ford over the River Tweed, it was one of the most important strongholds in this once turbulent region. It was also the one most frequently attacked by the Scots - it was besieged at least 13 times, once for nearly a year by Robert Bruce.

But even its powerful 12th century keep and massive towered bailey walls could not resist James IV's heavy cannon, and it fell to him in 1513, shortly before his defeat at Flodden Field. The extensive 16th century rebuilding that followed, adapting the fortress for artillery, is still clearly traceable.

Free Entry. If you are looking for Best place for day out with kids and families then this is the perfect destination offering fun, adventure, and unforgettable memories for everyone.

Features

Free
Host birthday parties: No

Features

History of Norham Castle: For 450 years Norham Castle, first built in the 12th century, was one of the great English strongholds along the river Tweed, a barrier against the Scots. The Scots besieged it nine times, capturing it on four occasions. The remains of the impressive great tower still reveal signs of many building phases between the 12th and 16th centuries.
Defending the Tweed: Norham’s founder was Ranulph Flambard, Bishop of Durham from 1099 until 1128. In the medieval period the Bishops of Durham enjoyed near-kingly powers, in return for enforcing order along the English–Scottish border.
The region could be wild and lawless, and sometimes erupted into open conflict. In wartime Norham’s English garrison defended the Tweed fords, an easy crossing point into England. Together with the nearby castles of Berwick and Wark, Norham was an essential part of the defences of the eastern border.
The Great Cause: The most noteworthy event in Norham’s history took place in May 1291, when Bishop Anthony Beck entertained Edward I (r.1272–1307) and his advisers at the castle while the king arbitrated between 13 competitors for the Scottish throne (a process known as the Great Cause). Judgment was made in favour of John Baliol in 1292 at Berwick Castle, and three days later Baliol paid homage to Edward in the hall at Norham.
Norham Besieged: Edward I’s subsequent claims of overlordship over Scotland precipitated prolonged warfare in the borders. The Scots besieged Norham unsuccessfully in 1318, 1319 and 1322, and eventually took it in 1327, but it was restored to the bishop the following year.
Artillery Fortress: Such was Norham’s importance that rebuilding began almost immediately, this time to transform the castle into a powerful artillery fortress. English military engineers made alterations so that the garrison could return fire with great force from covered positions. They rebuilt the wall to the outer ward, encasing its lower courses in earth to provide strength and absorb incoming shot, constructed gun towers and incorporated arched gun positions.

Facilities

Parking: There is a car park onsite. Please note that the gate of the car park is locked in the evening and no overnight parking is permitted.

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Price

Price: Free

Birthday Parties

Offer Birthday Parties: No

Open daily from end of March to end of September and weekends over the winter.

Address: Castle Street, Norham, Berwick-upon-Tweed, UK

Post Code: TD15 2JY

Council: Northumberland

County: Northumberland

Road Access: In Norham village; 6 miles south-west of Berwick-upon-Tweed, on minor road off B6470 (from A698)
Bus Access: Perryman’s 67 Berwick-upon-Tweed railway station – Galashiels.
Train Access: Berwick-upon-Tweed 7 1⁄2 miles.
Bicycle Access: Find this site on The National Cycle Network.
Parking: There is a car park onsite. Please note that the gate of the car park is locked in the evening and no overnight parking is permitted.