Bambugh’s Arthurian castle

A traditional view of this famous Northumbrian castle from the north seaward side. One can easily imagine knights practicing their swordsmanship in the high grounds or even jousting here on the sands. With a little more imagination, a dragon might be seen circling above too.

Described In medieval text as Lancelot’s Joyeus Garde Castle in the Arthurian tradition. Once the ancient capital of the powerful kingdom of Northumbria. There has been some kind of defensive structure at Bamburgh since at least the 6th century after constant Viking invasions. The massive Norman keep was built in 1095 and since then was used as a prison to members of the Scottish aristocracy. During the Wars of the Roses, Bamburgh was a Lancastrian stronghold that came under fierce attack. By the early 1600s, Bamburgh was ruinous and in private hands, those of the local Forster family. It later became a hospital and a school, before being bought by the wealthy local industrialist, Lord Armstrong, who began the work of restoration but died before it was completed. Still owned today by the Armstrong family, Bamburgh Castle is open to the public. (https://www.historic-uk.com/DestinationsUK/Bamburgh-Castle/)

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