- Type
- Ruin
- Origins
- 1313 · 14th century per Wikidata: founding, first mention or construction
- Location
- England, United Kingdom
- Coordinates
- 55.4885°, -1.5935°
History
Thomas, Earl of Lancaster – the most powerful magnate in England and an opponent of his cousin King Edward II – began building the castle in 1313. Its vast circuit of walls and mighty gatehouse were also a statement of his ambitions. The earl, however, lost the Battle of Boroughbridge and was executed in 1322; historians believe he visited his castle once at most. In the 1380s John of Gaunt converted the gatehouse into a keep. During the Wars of the Roses the castle was besieged several times and changed hands, and after 1464 it fell into ruin.
What to see
The castle can only be reached on foot, along a coastal path of about 2 kilometres from the fishing village of Craster. The best-preserved parts are the great gatehouse with its two rounded towers and the slender Lilburn Tower. The walls enclose a huge grassy courtyard, and kittiwakes nest on the northern cliffs. The castle is owned by the National Trust and cared for by English Heritage.
Wikipedia article Official website Wikidata Q515105
Popularity: articles about this site in 21 Wikimedia projects (Wikipedia language editions and others).