Morpeth Castle
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Morpeth Castle is a Scheduled Ancient Monument and a Grade I listed building at Morpeth, Northumberland, in northeast England.
The original motte and bailey dating from the 11th century was destroyed about 1215. A new castle was built in the bailey of the original in the 1340s, but little of that structure survives apart from parts of the curtain wall and the much altered gatehouse.
The castle was held by and passed by the female line through several illustrious families; de Merlay, Greystoke, Dacre and Howard, none of whom resided there for any long period.
In about 1858, the gatehouse was restored and converted to provide a staff residence. In 1946, the castle was acquired by the Borough of Morpeth, but stood empty and neglected till 1960.At this time it was rented by builder Billy Bell, who refurbished it, building on a kitchen and swimming pool. He also looked after the gardens and for a period it was used as a family home for his large family. The next occupiers (the trust) returned the property to its former style, losing the kitchen and pool. It lost its family-home style and became just another rented property for weekenders when in 1988, it was sold to Landmark Trust, which carried out refurbishments to the property in order to offer the gatehouse to let as holiday accommodation.
The present Lord of the Manor of Morpeth Castle is Camilo Agasim-Pereira of Fulwood & Dirleton, The Baron of Fulwood & Dirleton, who became the Lord of the Manor in 1999. The designate heir of the Manor is his daughter Sarah Rachel Agasim-Pereira of Fulwood and Dirleton.
[edit] References
- The David and Charles Book of Castles Plantagenet Somerset Fry 1980 ISBN 0 7153 7976 3
- Images of Morpeth Castle
