Morpeth Castle & Ha' Hill - Northumberland

As an interesting historic aside when visiting Morpeth. There is some uncertainty between the historical record and the location of the gatehouse known as Morpeth Castle

There is a reference in the record "Morpeth Castle standeth by Morpeth town. It is set on a high hill,about the hill is moch wood" , this from 1286 is considered to point to the castle where the gatehouse now stands, but it is not confirmed.

The Castle is leased to the Landmark Trust and is used as holiday flats.

Castle History

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The wooden stronghold that was built on Ha' or Haw Hill was considered to be the first Castle in Morpeth

It sits on the NW side of the Postern Burn from the Gatehouse.

The stronghold on Ha' Hill was eventually rased by King John in 1216

Some pictures of Ha' Hill

Morpeth Castle gatehouse from Ha' Hill

History

NZ 199856/Habitable/Access

The castle was built between 1342-1349 under the aegis of William de Greystock, and was probably destroyed in the siege of 1644. Standing remains comprise part of the curtain wall and gatehouse. The Gateway was restored in C17 and between 1857-8. All the walls are in a poor state of repair. In 1990 the gatehouse was repaired. Archaeological investigation at this point showed that much of the gatehouse had been rebuilt in the late C17 or C18

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