Dunstanburgh Castle

-Prehistory Origins - 13th century

The site of Dunstanburgh Castle was originally a promontory fort with earthwork defences dating back to the end of the Iron Age. It was likely occupied from the 3rd century BC into the Roman period. 

By the 14th century, the land was being used for arable crops, with the fortifications long abandoned. Dunstanburgh became part of the barony of Embleton, owned by the Earls of Lancaster.

- 1313–1319 (Castle constructed)

Construction of Dunstanburgh Castle began under the patronage of Thomas, Earl of Lancaster, a powerful magnate and a leader of a baronial faction opposed to King Edward II, his cousin. 

It is uncertain exactly why Thomas decided to build the castle. He strategically positioned it on Dunstanburgh Point, a strong defensive site, taking advantage of the natural coastal cliffs and the existing earthworks of the Iron Age fort. Yet, it was some distance from the local settlements and other strategic sites of value.

At this time, civil conflict in England rarely seemed far away, so it is said that Thomas likely intended to create a secure retreat, a safe distance away from Edward's forces in the south. Moreover, he probably hoped to erect a prominent status symbol, illustrating his wealth and authority and challenging that of the King. Some speculate he intended to create a town alongside the castle, possibly relocating the population of Embleton there.

Albeit damaged, a surviving account from 1313 shows the scope of the first year's work on the castle, including the castle's western side ditch excavation and the construction of a large gatehouse. By the end of the year, £184 had been expended, with iron, coal from Newcastle, and timber from Scandinavia sourced for the project. 

Construction continued for several more years. Notably, the castle's progress did not seem hindered despite Scottish incursions following their victory at Bannockburn in June 1314 and devastating famines from 1315 to 1317.

Although later building records from this period have not survived, a licence to crenellate was issued in 1316, and by March 1319, Robert of Binchester was appointed as the first constable, suggesting that the castle was at least functional by this time.

In August 1319, Earl Thomas passed through Dunstanburgh on his way to the siege of Berwick, most likely marking his only visit to the newly built castle.

- 1321–1323 (Crown assumes castle, construction completed)

Thomas again led military action against Edward II, only to abandon his campaign and attempt to seek refuge at Dunstanburgh Castle. However, he was intercepted by a royalist army and captured.

Following a degrading trial, Thomas was executed by beheading at his castle in Pontefract. King Edward II assumed control of Dunstanburgh Castle, stationing 40 foot soldiers and 40 hobelars (lightly armed cavalry) as its garrison, marking the end of Scottish control over the castle.

The castle was likely completed shortly thereafter. The presence of the Lilburn Tower suggests that John de Lilburn, who served as joint constable between 1322 and 1323, was responsible for its construction. 

- 1326 

Dunstanburgh Castle was returned to Thomas' younger brother, Henry (d. 1345), who succeeded him as Earl of Lancaster.

- 1350s (Castle used for refuge)

The second quarter of the 14th century was a time of heightened tension in the border region, and an account from the early 1350s reveals that Dunstanburgh Castle had served as a refuge for the local population (likely the inhabitants of Embleton and nearby townships) and their belongings during a Scottish raid.

- 1362

As part of the Duchy of Lancaster, Dunstanburgh Castle came under the ownership of John of Gaunt, Edward III's fourth son, through his marriage to Henry of Lancaster's granddaughter.

- 1380–1383 (Castle's defences improved)

Gaunt showed little interest in the castle until he held the position of lieutenant in the Scottish marches. During a visit to the area in 1380, he recognized the deficiencies in the castle's defences. Over three years, he implemented significant changes to its layout and improvements to its defences. 

Gaunt's initial project involved the construction of a 6.5-meter-high and 1.3-meter-thick wall, known as a "mantlet." This created a courtyard on Dunstanburgh's northern side, housing his own chambers, effectively separating this area from the rest of the castle.

Following the Peasants' Revolt in June 1381, he embarked on more extensive alterations to enhance security. A new tower and gateway were added to reinforce the mantlet, tightly controlling access into the lord's enclosure from the rest of the castle. Six service buildings, referred to as "houses," were also constructed within the enclosure.

In 1383, a new entrance featuring barbicans and a drawbridge was created on the western flank, with John of Gaunt's gate likely becoming the castle's primary entrance. 

- 1399 

Henry IV, the son of John of Gaunt, claimed the throne, and the Duchy of Lancaster (still including Dunstanburgh Castle) became part of the Crown. 

- 1422–1461 (Castle refurbished)

During the reign of Henry VI, various renovations, furnishing, and rebuilding projects were undertaken at the castle. Accounts from this period indicate that the King's hall and great chamber, likely occupying the top floor of the former great gatehouse, were among the refurbished areas.

These accounts also shed light on the castle's role within the broader barony of Embleton. Many entries pertain to estate buildings outside the castle, such as mills, a dovecote, and the "house of pleas," which served as a precursor to the moot hall (that still stands in the village today).

- 1461–1464 (Castle wartorn and surrendered)

The Wars of the Roses greatly affected Dunstanburgh Castle. Sir Ralph Percy, the joint constable of Dunstanburgh, sympathized with the Lancastrians and held the castle for Henry VI following the 1461 Yorkist victory at Towton. Although Percy briefly submitted to the Yorkists, he again declared his allegiance to Lancaster the following year.

As a result, the Yorkist commanders besieged Dunstanburgh Castle once more. Percy surrendered it on Christmas Eve 1462, and by June 1464, the Yorkists finally gained full control. The castle then began a period of decline, losing its significance as a residence and falling into disrepair.

- 16th Century (Castle abandoned and neglected)

Following the Dissolution of the Monasteries under King Henry VIII in 1538, Dunstanburgh Castle came under the control of the Crown, further contributing to its decline and neglect as it proved too large and costly to maintain.

The roof was stripped of lead, and additional lead and timber were taken for structures in Embleton. In addition, the crumbling walls became an attractive source of stone for other construction projects.

Surveys conducted in 1538 and 1543 revealed the extent of the castle's decay. The curtain walls were in a state of disrepair, some buildings had missing sections of their lead roofs, and only the gatehouse was considered habitable. 

By 1594, It is presumed that the widow Alice Craster resided in the gatehouse, utilizing the castle as the focal point of her farming estate.

- 17th–19th Century (Continued deterioration under private owners)

The English and Scottish crowns rendered Dunstanburgh Castle redundant in national affairs, and James I sold Dunstanburgh into private ownership. It was acquired by Sir Ralph Grey, the owner of nearby Howick Hall, soon after.

Over time, the castle passed through the hands of various owners. It remained abandoned and continued to deteriorate, losing much of its former grandeur and gradually transforming into arable land. 

Notably, the castle gained renewed interest as a subject for artists and writers, including J.M.W. Turner and Sir Walter Scott, who were captivated by its picturesque ruins and historical significance. In addition, an illustration from 1678 by Francis Place depicts the ongoing harvest in the fields west of the castle as well as the dilapidated state of the buildings during this time. 

By the 19th century, archaeological excavations on the ruins began, revealing evidence of the castle's early construction and unearthing pottery, weapons, coins, and other historical artefacts from those who lived there. 

All the while, the ownership of Dunstanburgh Castle continued to change hands multiple times, with Samuel Eyres from Leeds acquiring the castle from the Earl of Tankerville in 1869. 

- 1929 (English Heritage takes over)

The castle's owner, Sir Arthur Sutherland, could no longer afford maintenance on the castle. The ruins were placed under the guardianship of the Office of Works, acting on behalf of the National Trust, the site's freeholder, to ensure its preservation and accessibility to the public.

- 1939–1945 (WWII fortifications)

During World War II, Dunstanburgh Castle found itself in a vulnerable position as a potential target for German invasion, and it was refortified to defend the Northumberland coastline. It served as an observation post for a detachment of the Royal Armoured Corps, and additional defensive measures such as trenches, barbed wire, pillboxes, and a minefield were implemented.

- Present

Administered by English Heritage, Dunstanburgh Castle is open to the public as a ruin. The castle ruins are part of a Site of Special Scientific Interest and are protected under UK law as a Grade I listed building. It remains a popular tourist attraction and provides an important natural environment for amphibians and birds.