The New Look of Prudhoe Castle

Prudhoe Castle, which has just been opened fully to the public for the first time, stands on a hillside above the River Tyne in Northumberland, some twelve miles east of Newcastle. It was built by the d'Umfraville family of Norman knights who accompanied Duke William on his conquest in 1066, and dates from the end of the eleventh century. Its setting, in a commanding position above the Tyne valley and the surrounding countryside, reinforced its control over the river, and of cross-country routes from Newcastle to Carlisle. It formed the centre of a large baronial estate, and it symbolised the power and status of its owners.

Excavations carried out at the castle in recent years have enabled archaeologists to piece together the story of its early layout and development. By the early twelfth century, there were substantial earth-and-timber defences on the site, and possibly a motte. By about the middle of the century, the castle was being converted to stone. The present gatehouse dates from 1150-75, and the stone keep was probably built at about the same time. A massive stone wall replaced the earthwork defences.