CHILLINGHAM CASTLE

In the Castle you will see active restoration of complex masonry, metalwork and ornamental plaster as the restoration continues. A wide diversity of styles in the rooms spells out successive fashions through the early centuries, which gives an educative and vibrant difference to this ancient Castle. Today, it thrives with day to day family life and also events relating to music, drama, mountain rescue, child welfare and other local interests.

This 12th century stronghold, just twenty minutes from the seaside and the home of Sir Humphry Wakefield and his family, became 'base-camp' for the 1298 conquering attack on William Wallace by “Hammer of the Scots”, King Edward 1st. Wallace had raided the previous year, burning the women and children to death in the local abbey. The Castle was given permission to add battlements by King Edward III in 1344 (See the actual License in the Castle). The Elizabethans added 'Long Galleries' and Capability Brown designed the park in 1752. The glorious Italian garden was laid out in the 19th century by Sir Jeffrey Wyatville, fresh from his royal triumphs at Windsor Castle. Royal visits from 1200s to this century, and winner of many architectural awards.