WELCOME TO NORHAM CASTLE
Wherever you are in Norham, you will catch a glimpse of the castle, which towers above the River Tweed and the village itself. The steep cliffs dropping down to the river are now covered in trees, but for centuries they provided clear views across the border to Scotland, protecting the fords across the river between the two countries.
As the site of the first non-tidal ford on the River Tweed from its mouth at Berwick, this was a strategically important location. Aerial photographs clearly show the position of the castle on a bend in the river, with views in every direction - to The Cheviot in the south, the Eildons in the west and Halidon Hill in the east.
A FORTRESS ON THE BORDER
The Prince Bishops of Durham who built Norham Castle were created in 1075 by William the Conqueror to protect the northern borders of England from marauding Scots. They became powerful churchmen who combined their spiritual duties with secular powers - raising armies, minting coins and building castles to protect themselves and those powers.
In 1121 Ranulph Flambard, Bishop of Durham from 1099 to 1128, began building what was then a relatively small castle at Norham to overlook the ford and protect the eastern borders of the country.
Over the next 350 years Norham Castle played a major role in the history of the Anglo-Scottish border and became one of the most besieged castles in England.
MORE ABOUT THE CASTLE'S HISTORY
In 1153 Hugh de Puiset, on the orders of Henry II, built a much larger castle. In the early 13th century King John spent a great deal more reinforcing the castle and, in 1215, Alexander II of Scotland besieged it for 40 days without success. In 1291 Edward I ("The Hammer of the Scots") was entertained at the castle by Bishop Anthony Bek while he decided which of 13 men should rule Scotland. He eventually selected John Baliol in Berwick Castle in 1292. Shortly afterwards, Baliol paid homage to Edward at Norham Castle. The Scots besieged the castle four times in the first 27 years of the 14th century, eventually capturing it in 1327, only for it to be returned to the Prince Bishops the following year. The castle was besieged again by James IV in 1497 and once more in 1513, when it was successfully captured. Shortly afterwards, however, James and many thousands of his army were killed at the Battle of Flodden and the castle returned to English hands. Following this, the castle was rebuilt as a heavily fortified garrison and remained so for another century. By the reign of Elizabeth I it had begun to fall into disrepair, but the improving relationship between England and Scotland meant there was little appetite for further investment. After the Union of the Crowns in 1603, when James VI of Scotland also became James I of England, there was no longer considered to be a need for major repairs. One of the castle's last notable military visitors was Oliver Cromwell, who is known to have spent at least one night there in 1648.
VISITOR INFO
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Managed by English Heritage
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Free to enter
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Open daily in the summer, from 10am-6pm
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Open at weekends in the winter, from 10am-4pm
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Free parking
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Public toilets in the village centre (no visitor toilets on site)
For the latest opening times, visitor information and updates, please visit the English Heritage website:
Temporary closures may occur during exceptionally windy weather - see Friends of Norham Castle updates on Facebook.
PLEASE NOTE
Some areas of the site are currently closed to the public for health and safety reasons.
This includes the main Marmion Gate entrance and bridge, the Inner Ward bridge and the Inner Ward keep. The Outer Ward is open as normal and can be accessed from the car park.
EVENTS AT NORHAM CASTLE
While the Inner Ward of the castle remains closed to the public, opportunities to hold larger events are currently limited.
The twice-yearly bat walks have become a regular feature and take place in April and September. These currently take place within the village - where there are also many bats - but it is hoped that they will return to the Inner Ward in the future.
Friends of Norham Castle also hope to host wildlife and pollinator walks in the castle grounds during the summer.
For information about upcoming events, please visit the Upcoming Events page.
FRIENDS OF NORHAM CASTLE
Friends of Norham castle was set up in 2013 as a vehicle by which the residents of Norham 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. There is also a team of villagers who lock and unlock the castle gates for English Heritage throughout the year.
For more information or to become a member, visit Friends of Norham Castle.
