Simonburn Castle - Northumberland

How to get there Take minor road to Simonburn village from B6320 2.5 miles north of Chollerford. Park in Simonburn, follow road in front of the church and left along narrow lane to Burn Ho. Then over the bridge and follow the lane up left signposted to Fenwickfield.

Unfinished Motte probably begun in 1136 by Simon de Senlis. Remains of a folly much overgrown now marks the site. Destroyed by treasure seekers following its being abandoned c1700.

Castle History

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History

NY 862738/Ruin/Access

On a promontory between the Castle and Hopshield Burns, is an unfinished motte and bailey. Probably begun in 1136 by Simon de Senlis, Earl of Huntingdon. A dwelling here was first mentioned in 1293 when it passed from Henry Graham to Adam Swinburne. The 1415 Survey shows it in the hands of the Herons. Remains of C13 tower house partly reconstructed as an eyecatcher in 1766, surviving as a ruined building of which the upper storeys have now collapsed. The tower was built of small stone blocks. Only the barrel vaulted ground floor of the tower survives, with the remains of a turret on the north west side. Recorded in 1541 survey as 4 storey strong tower in good repair standing on very strong ground. It was abandoned in c1700 in favour of Chipchase. Turris de Simondburn; Symondburne.

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Some pictures of Simonburn village