Belsay Castle
"This ancient seat of the Middleton family dates from the reign of
Edward II., cir. 1317, the modern mansion of Belsay Hall being the
residence of a descendant of the founder, Sir Arthur E. Middleton.
It lies about nine miles S.W. from Morpeth, and in the park is the old
castle, or rather peel tower, one of the largest in the country. The
Middleton family continued here through all the vicissitudes of the country,
till at the Restoration the proprietor was, in 1662, created a baronet, and was
high sheriff in 1666, from which time the succession to the present holder has
been unbroken.
The tower is described as a highly picturesque structure, built of a rich
yellow sandstone, and environed with hue timber. It is four storeys in height,
and measures at its base an area of 56 feet by 47 feet."
Extract from "The Castles of England: Their Story and Structure" (Archive)
Belsay Castle is a English Heritage property with free entry for English Heritage members.
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