Top 5 Castles around Morpeth

Fantastic views of the Bothal Castle ruin from the village of Bothal (old English for dwelling). Well worth a stop to take in the magnificent castle, though be warned, you're in a bit of a dip, so it's a climb out from both sides.

Bothal Castle is an impressive building with a rich history. It was originally built in the12th century, but transformed into its current form in 1343. It's a private residence, and therefore not accessible to the public.

History: Mitford Castle dates back to the late 12th century, initially documented in 1138. It served various strategic roles, including being seized by King John in 1215 and later occupied by the Scots. By 1323, it was abandoned due to extensive damage. The site includes a motte and bailey, with the motte later converted into a shell keep—a rare type of Norman fortification with only about 60 known examples in Britain. Exterior: Situated on a hillock above the River Wansbeck, the castle's remains include a substantial earthen motte and a surrounding ditch. An oval bailey, defended by a series of outworks and ditches, occupies the summit of the hill. The southern half of the bailey features remnants of a curtain wall, enclosing an outer ward, while the northern half retains an earthen bank. Interior: Within the shell keep are the remains of a central tower from the early 13th century, divided into two barrel-vaulted chambers likely used for water storage. Foundations of earlier structures are also present. Adjacent to the shell keep are the ruins of a 12th-century chapel and associated graveyard, adding to the site's historical significance. The well-preserved earthworks and stone structures provide valuable insights into medieval defensive architecture.

History of the Church: The parish church dates back to the late 12th century and was remodeled in the 13th century, likely after the village was burned by King John in 1216. The 14th century saw the addition of transepts. Major restoration and the addition of a south aisle, west tower, clerestory, and porch were carried out by R.J. Johnson of Newcastle in 1874-5. Exterior: The church features a mix of medieval squared stone and 19th-century ashlar with red tile roofs. Key elements include a west tower with an octagonal southwest stair turret, a south aisle with stepped angle buttresses and lancet windows, and a projecting southwest porch. The north nave wall has 13th-century masonry and a blocked door. The chancel’s south wall includes a 12th-century priest’s door and lancet windows, while the transepts have trefoiled ogee lights. Interior: Inside, the 12th-century south arcade features round moulded arches on round piers with scalloped capitals. The north transept and south transept have foliage-carved capitals and a small piscina, respectively. The chancel arch and tower arch are 19th-century, and the chancel includes triple sedilia and eastern lancets with 12th-century outer shafts. Fittings include a 1622 Revely monument, a Romanesque wall monument, a medieval bell, and various 19th-century items like the font, pulpit, and reredos with figures of Saints Aidan and Cuthbert.

Dating from the 12th and 13th centuries, the curtain wall and adjacent structures are made of squared stone. The wall comprises three sections, each showcasing different construction styles and types of masonry. The northern section features a postern leading into the motte ditch, with a shouldered lintel beneath a pointed relieving arch. The southern section has partially exposed footings of an adjacent range of buildings on the east side.

Dating from the 12th and 13th centuries, the curtain wall is constructed from squared stone. The north-east section, featuring a gateway to the barmkin, is fragmentary. In contrast, the south-east section is better preserved and includes mural chambers, a garderobe, and a round arch with an uncertain function.

Inner Ward: The inner ward features a tall curtain wall on a stepped plinth, with remnants visible on the west side, including a large round arch that possibly led to a balcony. On the east side, a section of wall with a round arch leading to the outer ward is mostly a 19th-century reconstruction. Keep: The keep remains up to the first floor but has had its external facing stones removed. The basement is divided by an axial cross wall into two barrel-vaulted chambers. These chambers have an impost band at the spring of the vault, internal stone spouts that likely brought in rainwater, and were probably intended as cisterns. There is a segmental-arched doorway leading to a mural stair. The first floor of the keep features a chamfered plinth and is accessed via a lobby from an external stair. To the west of the keep are the footings of a possibly earlier 'blockhouse' with splayed arrow loops.

Bothal is a small village in Northumberland, England, known for its historical landmarks and rural charm. The village features Bothal Castle, a well-preserved privately-owned medieval castle from the 14th century. The Church of Saint Andrew, a parish church with Norman architecture dating back to the 12th century, is another notable attraction. Bothal also offers picturesque countryside for outdoor activities such as walking, cycling, and fishing along the River Wansbeck. Visitors can enjoy exploring the village's historical sites and taking in its natural beauty.