Norham Castle

The castle was founded when Ranulf Flambard, Bishop of Durham from 1099 to 1128, gave orders for its construction in 1121 to protect the property of the bishopric in north Northumberland from incursions by the Scots. In 1136, David I of Scotland invaded Northumberland and captured the castle. It was soon handed back to the bishopric but was captured again in 1138 during another invasion. This time, the castle's structure was substantially damaged. It remained derelict until Hugh de Puiset, Bishop of Durham from 1153 to 1195, had the castle rebuilt. The work was probably directed by Richard of Wolviston, who was the bishop's architect. In 1174, Hugh de Puiset supported the rebels in a revolt…

The castle stands on the south bank of the River Tweed, high above the river, with the north side protected by a steep slope. A deep ravine protected the east side, and an artificial moat was dug around the west and south sides to complete the protection. The castle had an inner and outer ward. The inner ward stood on a mound and was separated from the outer ward by a moat, crossed by a drawbridge. The main entrance to the castle was the strongly fortified West Gate leading into the outer ward. It was protected by a stone causeway spanned by a drawbridge and is also known as Marmion's Gate. There was an additional gate to the south of the outer ward, known as the Sheep Gate. The inner ward…