More information : MORPETH CASTLE [GT] (Remains of) [NZ 2000 8547] (1)
C14th castle where gatehouse & ruined curtain walls still remain (2)
The present Castle at MORPETH was built 1342-1349(1), the gateway, tower has no portcullis groove, the top is embattled, having corner turrets, the outer walls are shattered and there are no traces of internal buildings. (3)
Castle was besieged in 1644 and probably never restored(4) Erected 1342-1359 by WILLIAM de GREYSTOCK(5)
13421359 to be the correct dates of W. de GREYSTOCK'S span.] (6)
MORPETH CASTLE is still known as such. (7)
[Centred NZ 20028549] MORPETH CASTLE is situated in a commanding position on top of a hill.
The remains consist of the gatehouse and stretches of curtain wall which probably formed a western bailey or count. The gatehouse at NZ 20018552 is a rectangular building with a central passage running E-W. Extensive renovation has left few traces of antiquity, but those remaining include the arches and segmental vaulting of the passage, two doorways in the passage, and small windows on all sides except the south. The larger windows and the battlements are modern. The gatehouse is in an excellent state of repair and is in use as a private residence.
The remaining stretches of curtain wall (as shown on plan) have an average thickness of 1.0m and rise to a maximum height of 3.0m. They originally consisted of dressed stone facings with a rubble core, but most of the facing has been robbed, leaving the core standing.
On the inside face of the north wall near its western end are the remains of a fireplace and other building traces. These remains possibly indicate the existence of a corner tower.
At NZ 20098551 is a stretch of wall 13.0m long, 4.5m high and 1.2m thick, with two buttresses on the east side. In this wall are the remains of a window and doorway, possibly later insertions. There was insufficient evidence to determine if the fragment was part of the curtain wall of an eastern bailey, or was the remains of an unidentified building. The window and door contained no dateable features.
All the walls are in a poor state of repair. See overleaf for plan of remains. (8,9)
Published survey 1/2 500 revised (earthworks). (10)
Photographs of MORPETH CASTLE looking S and Gatehouse looking SW.
Morpeth Castle. Grade I. C14 mostly. A gate-house keep in good preservation and remains of a curtain wall. The earlier motte-and-bailey castle or 'Haw Hill' or 'Old Mote' is entirely earthwork and therefore not listed. (11)
(NZ 2000 8552) Morpeth Castle (NR) (Remains of) (NAT) (12)
Morpeth Castle. Grade I. Castle gatehouse, stables and curtain wall. Probably founded C13 and some curtain walling may be of this date. Gateway C14 extensively restored C17 and in 1857-8 for the Earl of Carlisle. See List for full account. (13)
NZ 200 855. Morpeth Castle. Scheduled No ND/653. (14)
The gatehouse is now owned by The Landmark Trust. (15)
Listed by Cathcart King. (16)
History of the castle. (17) |