Belford Castle

Unlike Madonna and Prince, this building goes by many names. It's mainly known as Belford Castle, but also goes by Belford Westhall Tower, Belford West Hall, Castrum de Belfurth or Castrum de Beleford.

The castle was originally a Norman earthwork motte and bailey fortress in 1415 and was called Castrum de Belford in a 15th-century document. It was also surrounded by a moat, but nothing too much to see of that now.

The original castle or tower would have sat in the low oval motte and the castellated farmhouse you see today is a 19th century Gothic farmhouse which was built on the earlier foundations of the castle.

Belford Castle is now a privately owned house and part of a farm so you can't go and visit. But you can get a good look from the road and there is also a footpath leading into the field right next to it. Look out for a finger post on the bend of the road.

When we visited it was tipping it down and I'm hoping that's the reason why my photos came out so poor. Fortunately a Fabulous North friend Jane Brook sent us some of the photos she had taken, so big thanks to Jane for the photos you see above.

Mine are below and have sized them down a bit to save face :)