Belsay Castle
Medieval castle ruins in Northumberland, England
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Belsay Castle is a 14th-century medieval castle situated at Belsay, Northumberland, England. It is a Scheduled Monument and a Grade I listed building.[1]
| Belsay Castle | |
|---|---|
| |
| Type | Pele tower |
| Location | Belsay |
| Coordinates | 55°06′07″N 1°52′08″W |
| OS grid reference | NZ 08475 78554 |
| Area | Northumberland |
| Built | c. 1370 |
| Architectural style | Medieval |
| Owner | English Heritage |
| Official name | Belsay tower house and attached unfortified wing, deserted medieval village, possible moated site, promontory fort and watch post |
| Designated | 17 Jan 1935 |
| Reference no. | 1015517 |
Listed Building – Grade I | |
| Official name | Belsay Castle |
| Designated | 27 Aug 1952 |
| Reference no. | 1042837 |
  Location of Belsay Castle in Northumberland | |
The main structure, a substantial three-storey rectangular pele tower with rounded turrets and battlements, was constructed about 1370, and was the home of the Middleton family. In 1614 Thomas Middleton built a new manor house attached to the tower.[1] A west wing was added in 1711 but was largely demolished in 1872 by Sir Arthur Middleton when the remainder of the house was considerably altered.[2]
The castle was abandoned as a residence by the family in the early 19th century when Sir Charles Monck built Belsay Hall close by.[3] The interiors were largely removed and it was then used as a ready-made folly, as was fashionable among the aristocracy at the time, serving as the setting for garden parties and other entertainments.
The castle is administered by English Heritage and is open to the public.[4]
