Barnard Castle – one of the most powerful fortresses of northern England
This impressive castle towering over the Tees River, was built by Guy de Balliol in about 1095. Barnard castle is surrounded by a ring of fortifications that flank the courtyard.
The Balliol family owned the castle for two centuries and the castle was one of the most powerful and impressive fortresses of northern England in the early Middle Ages.
The castle owned many famous aristocratic British families during its existence. It belonged to the de Beauchamp, graphs of Warwick, and later to the Neville family.
Later, at different times, Barnard Castle was under the rule of the crown and sometimes under the authority of the bishops of Durham.
Barnard Castle, Round Tower
The main part of the castle consists of a courtyard, inside of which are a large round tower and the remains of a large hall and kitchen.
The courtyard is surrounded by a large moat that separated it from the middle and urban households.
The tour of the complex begins from the north gate and passes the visitors throughout the city court, named like that because it was a refuge for the citizens in times of danger.
The following part of the tour is the middle yard. This area connects the castle to the city and the outer court to the inner court.
Barnard Castle architecture
Here you can see the remains of the moat that separated it from the rest yards. The Constable Tower is located on one of its sides and it was the original entrance to the castle.
The most impressive structure preserved in the inner court, of course, is the round tower, which houses the master bedroom of the lord.
If you climb up, then you will see the spectacular views of the valley of the Tees River and the entire complex.
The castle is open on Saturday and Sunday only during the winter and the basic admission is £4.60 and £2.80 for kids (5-15 years). There is no car park at the castle but you can leave your car in the town.
