NORHAM CASTLE

Northumberland

This ruined, but still solidly impressive Castle, stands on the banks of the River Tweed west of Berwick-upon-Tweed.

It dates from 1121 when Bishop Ranulph Flambard of Durham built it to guard an important crossing of the Border River.  In 1136 King David of Scotland took the Castle and damaged it in the process.  Shortly afterwards Bishop Geoffrey Rufus re-took the Castle, but failed to repair it, gaining censure from the King.  Two years later King David was back and took the Castle again, offering to repair it if Bishop Rufus changed his allegiances.  The Bishop refused and David had Norham Castle dismantled.

It remained that way until Henry II ordered it rebuilt in 1157.  Once more it became the responsibilities of the Bishops of Durham.  However, close reign was kept on the often rebellious Prince Bishops and an arrangement was put in place whereby the Castle became Royal when trouble threatened.  In 1216 the Scots unsuccessfully besieged Norham, and then again in 1318 when they spent the whole year camped outside trying to get in.  In 1319 they tried again, but gave up after seven months.  In 1327 they finally got inside, and then restored it to the English as part of a treaty after only one month.

The Scots returned once more in 1497, this time with artillery.  After a two week pounding they left, then King James IV returned again in 1513 bringing with him the massive Mons Meg cannon which smashed and battered Norham Castle into submission, leaving only ruins of the keep and some curtain walls.  Once the Scots were defeated at nearby Flodden Field Bishop Ruthall was ordered to rebuild the Castle and by 1521 it was once more being described as "impregnable".

Sadly this was the end of Norham's glory days and thereafter it fell into gradual decay.  Sizeable chunks remain, including Bishop Ruthall's restored keep.

The Castle is owned by English Heritage and open throughout the year.

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2024