Belsay Castle

Belsay Castle is a 14th-century medieval castle situated at Belsay, Northumberland, England. It is a Scheduled Ancient Monument and a Grade I listed building.[1]

Belsay Castle
TypePele tower
LocationBelsay
Coordinates55°06′07″N 1°52′08″W
OS grid referenceNZ 08475 78554
AreaNorthumberland
Builtc. 1370
Architectural style(s)Medieval
OwnerEnglish Heritage
Official nameBelsay tower house and attached unfortified wing, deserted medieval village, possible moated site, promontory fort and watch post
Designated17 Jan 1935
Reference no.1015517
Listed Building – Grade I
Official nameBelsay Castle
Designated27 Aug 1952
Reference no.1042837
Location of Belsay Castle in Northumberland

The main structure, a substantial three-storey rectangular pele tower with rounded turrets and battlements, was constructed about 1370, and was the home of the Middleton family. In 1614 Thomas Middleton built a new manor house attached to the tower.[1] A west wing was added in 1711 but was later largely demolished in 1872 by Sir Arthur Middleton when the remainder of the house was considerably altered.[2]

The castle was abandoned as a residence by the family in the early 19th century when Sir Charles Monck built Belsay Hall close by.[3] The interiors were largely removed and it was then used as a ready-made folly, as was fashionable among the aristocracy at the time, serving as setting for garden parties and other entertainments.

The castle is administered by English Heritage and is open the public.[4]

See also

References
  1. Historic England. "Belsay Castle (1042837)". National Heritage List for England. Retrieved 21 December 2007.
  2. "Belsay Castle". SINE Project, University of Newcastle upon Tyne. Archived from the original on 2 November 2005. Retrieved 21 December 2007.
  3. Historic England. "Belsay Hall (1304489)". National Heritage List for England. Retrieved 21 December 2007.
  4. "Belsay Hall, Castle and Gardens". English Heritage. Retrieved 21 December 2007.

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