NU 062258/Habitable/Access

There are no certain remains of the manor house in which Henry III stayed in 1255 and which was destroyed by the Scots in 1296. The Castle stands on a spur and originally had a surrounding ditch. In 1344, Sir Thomas Grey was granted a licence to crenellate his property at Chillingham. He built a quadrangular castle with four corner towers and an inner courtyard. A curtain wall was built around the castle grounds, but this has now mostly disappeared, although some remains can be seen at the end of the Italian Garden. The Castle came under attack in 1536 during the 'Pilgrimage of Grace' rebellion. Sir Robert Ellerker successfully defended the castle, but had to repair damage caused by cannon-fire. Charles Bennet, Lord Ossulston, obtained the castle by marriage in 1701 and was created Earl of Tankerville in 1714. The Castle itself, much altered in C17, C18 and C19 remains.