King John's Palace

Castle In Jesmond Dene, Tyne And Wear

A fortified house built by Adam of Jesmond.

Although we have marked it as a castle, it was actually a manor house belonging to Adam Of Jesmond who was the Sheriff of Newcastle back in the 13th century. An unpopular landowner, he was always in trouble for embezzlement and extortion.

There was a civil war raging between King John and the barons, and wanting to protect his land, Adam decided to fortify his house. He thickened the walls to strengthen them and made it into a small castle. Only the king could give permission to a fortify house, but Adam was allowed as he was a supporter of the king.

King John never actually visited the house as he died 50 years before it was built, but Adam was a bodyguard to his grandson Edward.

Adam went on a crusade to the Holy Land as a bodyguard to Prince Edward, but never returned. It's unknown if he died or just decided to stay there. The prince returned and later became King Edward I.

King John's Palace is also known as the House Of Adam of Jesmond or the Camera Of Adam.

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How To Find King John's Palace

Where Is King John's Palace?

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Lat / Long

54.985056, -1.583216

What three words

cove.mixed.bats

Where To Park For King John's Palace?

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54.984867, 54.984867

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lifted.burst.squad

There is a car park just a short walk from the palace.

Contributed by Simon Hawkins

Thanks for checking out this place on the Fabulous North! I do enjoy a wander out in to the countryside trying to find hidden gems that not many people know about. You can't beat a rogue Pele tower up a remote hill or a mysterious stone circle or a stunning waterfall secluded in a forest.

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