stands on a massive, 180-foot high basalt crag, giving all-round views
of the coast and surrounding
countryside. At first no more than a wooden fortification around a
Royal Saxon City (Bebbanburh - named after Bebba, wife of the Saxon ruler
Ethelfrith) which was over-run and sacked by the Danes in 993, the castle
was first built in stone by the Normans in the 12th centaury.
Impregnable until the 15th century, it eventually came under cannon fire
during the Wars of the Roses and fell after a 9-month siege. With
breached walls it ceased to have military significance.
Archaeologists have been investigating the castle since
the late 1950's and the
Bamburgh Research Project
continues to try and decipher 5000 years of occupation of the castle rock.
"When the Bamburgh
Research project started their investigation at the Castle ten years ago.
Little did we know that one of the most remarkable archaeological sites in
the world was about to be discovered" Francis Watson Armstrong of
Bamburgh Castle.
A recent publication has put together
their findings to date together with information from other leading
archaeologists and specialists in the Geology and natural environment of
Bamburgh. This book is available from local shops and businesses in
Bamburgh.
countryside. At first no more than a wooden fortification around a
Royal Saxon City (Bebbanburh - named after Bebba, wife of the Saxon ruler
Ethelfrith) which was over-run and sacked by the Danes in 993, the castle
was first built in stone by the Normans in the 12th centaury.
Impregnable until the 15th century, it eventually came under cannon fire
during the Wars of the Roses and fell after a 9-month siege. With
breached walls it ceased to have military significance.
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