Dally Castle

Heritage Site in Northumberland

England

Dally Castle

Bridge over the Tarset Burn The road is followed by National Cycle Network route 10 (Reivers Route).
Bridge over the Tarset Burn Credit: Oliver Dixon

Dally Castle, located in Northumberland, England, is an impressive heritage site that holds significant historical and architectural importance. Situated on a rocky outcrop overlooking the River Coquet, the castle was originally built in the 14th century and has a rich and fascinating history.

The castle, constructed primarily of local sandstone, features a striking rectangular keep with four corner towers. These towers were used for defensive purposes, providing vantage points and allowing defenders to repel any potential invaders. Over the centuries, additional structures were added to the castle, including a gatehouse and a chapel.

Dally Castle has witnessed numerous conflicts and sieges throughout its existence. It played a crucial role during the Wars of the Roses in the 15th century and endured several attacks during the English Civil War in the 17th century. Despite suffering damage during these conflicts, the castle was restored and remains remarkably well-preserved to this day.

Visitors to Dally Castle can explore the ruins and take in the stunning views of the surrounding countryside. The castle's interior is accessible via narrow spiral staircases, leading to various levels and chambers. These chambers were once used as living quarters, storerooms, and guardrooms, providing insight into the castle's daily life.

Managed by English Heritage, Dally Castle offers guided tours and educational programs, allowing visitors to delve deeper into its history and significance. It is a popular tourist destination, attracting history enthusiasts, architecture aficionados, and anyone seeking to immerse themselves in the rich heritage of Northumberland.

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Dally Castle Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 55.153/-2.353 or Grid Reference NY7784. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Bridge over the Tarset Burn The road is followed by National Cycle Network route 10 (Reivers Route).
Bridge over the Tarset Burn
The road is followed by National Cycle Network route 10 (Reivers Route).
Tarset Burn Looking upstream.
Tarset Burn
Looking upstream.
Not a sheepfold! But a small sewage installation.
Not a sheepfold!
But a small sewage installation.
Pit Cottages With their own shelterbelt.
Beside the High Carriteth Burn.
Sheep look on!
Pit Cottages
With their own shelterbelt. Beside the High Carriteth Burn. Sheep look on!
High Carriteth Burn With High Carriteth farm in the background.
High Carriteth Burn
With High Carriteth farm in the background.
Stream near Whitchester farm Flowing off Whitchester Moor.
Stream near Whitchester farm
Flowing off Whitchester Moor.
Chirdon Burn Between Cadger Ford and Dally Castle.
Chirdon Burn
Between Cadger Ford and Dally Castle.
Substantial bridge over Chirdon Burn At Cadger Ford.  The ford has been superseded!
Carries the track to Whitchester and New Chirdon.
Substantial bridge over Chirdon Burn
At Cadger Ford. The ford has been superseded! Carries the track to Whitchester and New Chirdon.
Looking into Andrew's Cleugh A cleugh is Scots for a narrow gorge or chasm with high rocky sides.
This one seemed a haven for wildlife with birds enjoying the berries.
Bower wood on the horizon.
Looking into Andrew's Cleugh
A cleugh is Scots for a narrow gorge or chasm with high rocky sides. This one seemed a haven for wildlife with birds enjoying the berries. Bower wood on the horizon.
A wiggly wall Approaching Whitchester.
A wiggly wall
Approaching Whitchester.
Forest track Leading into Bower forest.
Forest track
Leading into Bower forest.
Rough ground beside the road After clear felling.
Rough ground beside the road
After clear felling.
Cattle on Whitchester Moor With a stream running beside the fence.
Cattle on Whitchester Moor
With a stream running beside the fence.
Snabdaugh Crags Viewed from the track to Whitchester.
Snabdaugh Crags
Viewed from the track to Whitchester.
Whitchester hiding behind its shelter belt With crags intruding into the improved pasture.
Whitchester hiding behind its shelter belt
With crags intruding into the improved pasture.
Dally Castle (remains of) Dally, although never a 'proper' castle, has become woven into local legends and folklore.
The ruins you see today are the remains of what was originally the home of David Lindsey, a Scottish nobleman. Around 700 years ago Lindsey chose this isolated spot to build himself a hall-house.  A hall-house was a defensible building - the earliest type of mediaeval stronghold (apart from the great castles) to survive in Northumberland.
Dally Castle (remains of)
Dally, although never a 'proper' castle, has become woven into local legends and folklore. The ruins you see today are the remains of what was originally the home of David Lindsey, a Scottish nobleman. Around 700 years ago Lindsey chose this isolated spot to build himself a hall-house. A hall-house was a defensible building - the earliest type of mediaeval stronghold (apart from the great castles) to survive in Northumberland.
Chirdon Burn Downstream from Dally Castle.
Chirdon Burn
Downstream from Dally Castle.
Matthew Bridge The bridge has seen much better days!!
You would have to be desperate to use it.
Close to Dally Castle.
Matthew Bridge
The bridge has seen much better days!! You would have to be desperate to use it. Close to Dally Castle.
Show me another place!

Dally Castle is located at Grid Ref: NY7784 (Lat: 55.153, Lng: -2.353)

Unitary Authority: Northumberland

Police Authority: Northumbria

What 3 Words

///purse.swipes.interests. Near Bellingham, Northumberland

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Nearby Amenities

Located within 500m of 55.153,-2.353
Miller Hill
Place: locality
Lat/Long: 55.1495769/-2.3580895
Snabdaugh Moor
Place: locality
Lat/Long: 55.1501595/-2.3471644
Black Hill
Place: locality
Lat/Long: 55.1541951/-2.350494
The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.

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