Castle Hunting UK

7th  July  2018 We are back for our latest adventure castle hunting in Northumberland :)  1290s - castle built by Robert de Raymes 1305 - licence to crenellate Aston castle was caught up in some of the action and turmoil that followed Robert the Bruce's ascent to the Scottish throne (1306) and Edward I death in 1307 1315 - castle pillaged and burnt by the Scots 1317 - castle seized again 1450 - castle described as ruined following the Anglo-Scottish war of 1448-9 1500s - castle changed hands from the de Raymes family to the Carnabys who made extensive repairs/changes 1654 - castle sold to William Collinson after the current owner, Ralph Carnaby, was penalised after the Civil War 1702 - castle sold to John Douglas - Aydon estate by this time is being used for farming 1751 - through marriage the castle and estate were and are still owned by the  Blackett family 1800s - castle deteriorated though the area around still being farmed 1830 - ground floor of cas...

1st June 2017 Also known as Bow and Arrow castle Evidence of a Saxon defence work previously 11th century - Castle constructed for William II, to protect the vulnerable Church Ope cove from enemy invasion 1142 - Robert, Earl of Gloucester captured the castle from King Stephen for the Empress Maud 1250s - Richard de Clare, Duke of Gloucester, had a licence to crenellate the castle 1432-1460 - the current ruins are thought to date back from 15th century, therefore possibly rebuilt during this time, funded by Richard Duke of York 1539-1541 - With the construction of Portland castle, Rufus castle fell into disuse and was prone to cliff erosion and collapse 1800 - John Penn, a politician and writer, became owner of the castle and enclosed it from the public You can only view the exterior of the castle, and even then unfortunately cannot view close up. It is a shame that you cannot explore more of the castle, we would've of loved to. Beautiful views however, if you walk u...

1st June 2017 No good picture unfortunately the best picture of the castle front would have to be taken from the sea! 1539/1540 - Castle built as part of essential anti-invasion measures, ordered by Henry VIII 1584-1586 - Due to the threat of Spanish invasion, the castle underwent improvements 1588 - Sir Walter Raleigh became captain of the castle and on recognising its potential, saw the need for effective armament Civil War - Isle of Portland was Royalist 1642 - Parliamentarians took control of the island and castle 1643 - Royalists retook the castle disguised as Parliamentary forces 1644 - a four month siege of the castle, Royalists Vs Parliamentarians however the castle remained a Royalist stronghold 1653 - The castle had a key role in protecting anchorage during the first Anglo-Dutch battle which occurred just off Portland  1655-1657 - castle used as a prison after the Battle of Worcester 1660 - Charles II on the throne, the garrison at Portland castle is re...

1st June 2017 1539 - castle is built by order of Henry VIII, to defend ships anchored in the Portland Roads. It is thought that stone from local churches was used to build the castle following the Dissolution of the Monastries 1584 - due to sea damage the castle was in poor condition 1610-1611 and 1623 - castle received essential repairs Civil War - castle was a Royalist stronghold 1644/1645 - Royalists abandoned the castle after it was no longer considered of use 1665 - Sandsfoot is removed from the Military Register 1691 - Sandsfoot ceases to be used as a storehouse and falls into ruins This is a very small castle, but worth a visit if you're in the area. The castle is now set within some pretty gardens and some lovely views looking towards Isle of Portland. Free entry  Parking on side of road near by No facilities No guidebooks, but an information panel Dogs allowed? N & K

31st May 2017 978 - Rumour has it that the site of today's Corfe Castle was the location for King Edward the Martyr's murder, by his stepmother 1086 - William the Conqueror began building the castle 1105 - Henry I is thought to be responsible for building the 23 metre tall stone keep 1106 - Henry I imprisons his brother, Robert of Normandy, at Corfe Castle, after seizing the throne 1130s - The castle finds itself in the midst of action during the Anarchy between Stephen and Matilda 1199 - 1214 - King John imprisons his niece, Princess Eleanor of Brittany at Corfe During King John's reign he was a frequent visitor to the castle, strengthening its defences and building the Gloriette 1220 - 1294 - Henry III and Edward I make several alterations to the castle, including converting from timber to stone, strengthening defences and adding towers Henry VII gifted the castle to his mother, Lady Margaret Beaufort 1509 - Lady Margaret dies and the castle is passed ba...

31st May 2017 1608-1610 - Thomas Howard built the castle 1641 - Humphrey Weld purchased the estate and castle from Thomas Howard Civil War - estate was taken by Parliamentarians Following the Civil War, Humphrey Weld refurbished the interior of the castle to make it suitable as the main residence for the family  1786 - a Roman Catholic church built near the castle/ on the estate French Revolution - surviving members of the French royal family used Lulworth Castle as one of their "residences-in-exile" 1929 - a fire broke out that devastated the castle, Lulworth castle burned for three days and eventually couldn't be saved due to lack of water 1970s - English Heritage restored the castle exterior This is a beautiful castle on the outside, the four round turrets and the entrance. It is quite a shock when you enter the castle as it is really just a shell. The interior is basically bare, as it has not been fully restored since the fire, however it is really int...