FRIENDS OF NORHAM CASTLE
PATRON: HIS GRACE THE DUKE OF NORTHUMBERLAND
'The most besieged castle in England!'
Friends of Norham Castle were set up in 2013 as a vehicle by which the residents of Norham (and those further afield) could support English Heritage in its efforts to upkeep the castle, and to educate the village and the world about our wonderful castle.
We currently have six trustees, who meet on a regular basis to arrange a programme of events and talks for our members, and to liaise with English Heritage on their plans for, and issues with, the castle. There is also a team of villagers who lock and unlock the castle gates throughout the year.
Our stated aims as set out in our constitution are:
-
To promote for the benefit of the public the conservation, protection and improvement of the environment by promoting the historical and architectural heritage of Norham Castle at Norham, Northumberland and its surroundings
-
To advance the education of the public in particular in relation to the history and architecture of Norham Castle by means including publications, lectures, exhibitions and events, whether in cooperation with schools and other educational or cultural organisations or otherwise.
COMMUNITY EVENTS AT THE CASTLE
We have over the past years arranged many events in the castle – and have hosted medieval re-enactors, a medieval market, the Norham Village Band and St Cuthbert's Choir, birds of prey, tribal dancers, children’s entertainers and even the Bishop of Durham and His Grace the Duke of Northumberland (who is now our Patron) at the Big 900th Birthday Picnic in 2021 (see photo gallery).
Friends of Norham Castle supports the castle in many different ways, from educational visits and expert talks to wildlife and heritage projects....
EVENTS & ACTIVITIES
We are keen to do more in the castle itself, but some areas of the site are currently closed to the public and the lack of access to the Inner Ward has limited the possibilities. We continue to explore new opportunities for events and activities - so watch this space.
Mon 31 AugNorham Village HallEnjoy a Bank Holiday car boot sale on Norham Village Green, followed by free children's activities in the Village Hall run by Friends of Norham Castle.
JOIN US
We are always looking for more members!
By joining you will support our aims just by paying the membership fee; but you can also help in many other ways. You will receive a regular (ish) newsletter and invitations to all our events which are FREE to members. To join please click on the button below and fill in the membership form.
EDUCATIONAL VISITS, TALKS & PROJECTS
EDUCATIONAL VISITS
We have organised the following trips:
-
To Auckland Palace (the home of the Prince Bishops)
-
To the English Heritage archaeological store and Helmsley where some cannon balls and other artefacts found in the castle are currently stored – a fascinating trip.
LECTURES
We have also held several fascinating lectures from:
-
Dr William Wyeth, Curator of History with English Heritage
-
Dr John Castling, Archaeology Curator with The Auckland Project
-
Dr Simon Woodward, one of our trustees who has spent the last 35 years working as a consultant, lecturer, and researcher in the field of cultural and heritage tourism
-
Dr Ian Baxter, Professor of Historic Environment Management at Heriot Watt University
WILDLIFE WALKS & CONSERVATION PROJECTS
We also host very popular twice yearly bat walks, previously in the Inner Keep, but currently down in the village. These bat walks, and pollinator walks round the grounds of the castle and elsewhere in the village, have been led by:
After some collaboration with both these organisations we are currently in the process of helping with the design of an information board about flora and fauna in and around the castle, and with putting up some owl and bat boxes in the trees behind the castle.
