Castle of the Month: 'The Centre of Britain'

[endlessrarities]

You thought I'd forgotten my regular 'Castle of the Month' post, didn't you???

Well, I didn't, so here, in the nick of time, is my chosen castle.  I could've gone for the obvious choice and featured a Roman defensive structure, but I decided I'd stick with the medieval period.

Today's featured stronghold is unusual in that it is A Castle With No Name.  It's one of several defensive structures of medieval or early post-medieval date located within the centre of the modern town of Haltwhistle, Haltwhistle Castle itself being represented by a former motte-and-bailey castle on the aptly-named 'Castle Hill.'  The reason for the high density of fortified structures is simple: the Border Reivers - represented here by the Armstrong family - were particularly active in the area, and hence the locals were forced to build defensively.

It's a pele tower reminiscent of a Scots tower-house, first mentioned in 1415, and later noted as belonging to Sir William Musgrave in 1541.  In the last few centuries, it's been given an odd Classical makeover and incorporated into a hotel, now called 'The Centre of Britain'.
 

 

An odd little restoration, and one which will no doubt make castle purists throw up their hands in horror (note in particular the Grecian-style  frieze at second floor level).

Sadly, I didn't get a chance to look inside.  The lure of the Black Bull's savoury bread-and-butter pudding was greater than The Centre of Britain's vegetable stroganoff (though I'm told that the desserts in The Centre of Britain are marvellous).

And look!  The sun was shining when I took the photograph!!  It's a miracle!!!

Information comes courtesy of The Castles and Tower Houses of Northumberland, by Mike Salter (Folly Publications, 1997).

 

Comments

[endlessrarities.livejournal.com]

I'm quite forgiving. I actually like James IV's 'Giant Peach' at Stirling - which is, admittedly, harled and not painted, but it still looks a bit lurid.

In fact, you've just given me an evil idea for a future 'Castle of the Month' candidate. Evil because it's so garish that you'll probably throw the computer out of the window in your aghast response...

It makes the Centre of Britain look extremely tasteful in comparison...

Heh, heh, heh...