Aydon Castle, Northumberland

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 castle used as a schoolroom
1920s - bathroom installed
1950s - electricity installed
1966 - castle placed under guardianship

Lovely little castle, don't be fooled by the size though as there are several rooms to see. The rooms are unusual - not your standard castle type rooms and quirky original features. Look out for the grotesques above one of the fireplaces!

Owned by English Heritage
Designated car park
Shop, no cafe, toilets
Guidebook and some information panels
Dogs allowed 

N & K

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