Warkworth Castle, Warkworth, Northumberland
A motte and bailey castle was built here in the early 12th century. The first stone castle was built here in 1139. It is believed to have been built by Henry, son of King David I of Scotland. He was created Earl of Northumberland in 1139. No documentary evidence exists for the castle during the late 14th or early 15th centuries. During this period the present keep was built and the collegiate church was begun. This is a cutaway reconstruction drawing of the Keep in c1500. The castle was reported to be in good repair in 1538. It was captured and occupied by the Scots between 1644-45 and by soldiers of the Commonwealth in 1648. In 1672 any remaining building materials were removed by John Clarke for the construction of his house at Chirton. The castle remained untended until the mid-19th century.Then the fourth Duke of Northumberland restored part of the keep and carried out repairs to the rest of the castle to prevent its further decay. The castle has been in State care since 1922. This site is now in the care of English Heritage (2010).
