Brancepeth Castle

Brancepeth Castle has been on my to do list for a long time, but the castle is only open on certain days due to it being a family home. I was lucky that my latest holiday from work meant that I could book on to a guided tour, which was obviously very exciting. The castle also has two craft fairs during the year in July and November, so you can also drop in on those dates. There is plenty more information about guided tours on their website at Brancepeth Castle. I arrived at 10am on 9th November and our tour lasted just over an hour with Oliver as our guide.

The earliest version of Brancepeth Castle was built in the 12th century by the Bulmer family. (You may know of later generations of the Bulmer family if you're a cider drinker - Bulmers Cider was founded by Henry Percival Bulmer in 1887). This early wooden castle stood as a testament to the Norman's dominion over the region, serving as a defensive castle and a symbol of power.

In the late 13th century, the castle passed into the hands of the Neville family. The Nevilles embarked on a significant expansion of the castle, transforming it into a stone-built fortress that reflected their growing influence and status. You've probably heard of the Neville family too particularly if you live in County Durham - they were rivals of the Northumberland family the Percys.

The castle's association with the Neville family would also lead to its downfall, however. In 1569, the Nevilles' involvement in the Rising of the North, a rebellion against Queen Elizabeth I, resulted in the confiscation of Brancepeth Castle by the Crown. This turbulent period marked a turning point in the castle's history, as it passed through various hands until the late 18th century.

In 1796, the castle was acquired by William Russell, a wealthy Sunderland banker whose family were known as one of the 'Grand Allies'. The Russells, keen to modernize the castle and adapt it to the changing lifestyles of the 19th century, embarked on a comprehensive reconstruction project. Under the direction of renowned architects John Paterson and Anthony Salvin, the castle underwent significant alterations, transforming its medieval fortifications into a grand Regency residence. You can see where work on the building took place. The new owner wanted the masonry to be completely different to the older stones, and this can be seen in the newer stones which have diagonal lines running across them. Each one of these blocks was individually dressed by hand and must have taken thousands of hours to complete.

The Russells' renovations not only enhanced the castle's aesthetic appeal but also introduced modern conveniences. The castle became a hub for social gatherings and cultural events, attracting prominent figures from the region and beyond.

The 20th century brought further changes to Brancepeth Castle. During World War I, the castle served as a hospital for patients from Newcastle General Hospital, providing much-needed care to those wounded in the conflict. In the aftermath of the war, the castle became a focal point for the Durham Light Infantry during World War II, with the regiment establishing a military camp in the surrounding village. The castle was also used temporarily by pyrex makers James A Jobling or JAJ and you can still see their logo on one of the castle's glass doors.

Today, the castle remains a family home to the Dobson family and my lovely guide was Oliver Dobson. His family bought the castle in 1978 and Oliver's father was publisher Dennis Dobson. You may have heard of some of the authors he published which include Isaac Asimov, Ivor Cutler and Spike Milligan to name a few. Some of the books he published are available to buy in the castle shop, along with lots of other treats including bags, postcards and castle guides. There is also a cafe on site and I have heard rumours that their cakes are delicious. If you're in the area, it's also worth visiting St Brandon's Church nearby, which equally has a fascinating history.