Barnard Castle Inner Ward I
Looking over the rock-cut ditch into the inner ward of Barnard Castle, with the Headlam Tower on the left.
Barnard Castle stands high on cliffs above the River Tees in County Durham, an important defensive fortification against the nearby Scots and a symbol of power for the resident barons and lords.
The castle was first built by the de Balliol family, with Guy starting construction between 1095 and 1125 and his nephew Bernard – and his son Bernard II – developing and expanding the castle.
It was besieged by the Scots in the early 13th century and passed through several sets of hands before Richard, Duke of Gloucester – later Richard III – took possession of it during the War of the Roses in 1477. His board emblem is still visible carved in the inner ward.
The castle was extended and improved over the following centuries but was abandoned by then owner Sir Henry Vane in 1626, falling into ruin thereafter.
It is now run by English Heritage.
Barnard Castle Inner Ward I
Looking over the rock-cut ditch into the inner ward of Barnard Castle, with the Headlam Tower on the left.
Barnard Castle stands high on cliffs above the River Tees in County Durham, an important defensive fortification against the nearby Scots and a symbol of power for the resident barons and lords.
The castle was first built by the de Balliol family, with Guy starting construction between 1095 and 1125 and his nephew Bernard – and his son Bernard II – developing and expanding the castle.
It was besieged by the Scots in the early 13th century and passed through several sets of hands before Richard, Duke of Gloucester – later Richard III – took possession of it during the War of the Roses in 1477. His board emblem is still visible carved in the inner ward.
The castle was extended and improved over the following centuries but was abandoned by then owner Sir Henry Vane in 1626, falling into ruin thereafter.
It is now run by English Heritage.