Image via Wikipedia

Dunstanburgh lies between the picturesque villages of Craster and Embleton. There is evidence of a prehistoric settlement on the site, but construction of the castle was commenced in 1313 by Thomas, Earl of Lancaster, who was the cousin of Edward II.  When the Earl was executed in 1322 the massive fortress was nearly complete.  Dunstanburgh was acquired by the new Earl of Lancaster, John of Gaunt, who substantially remodelled and reinforced the building in the late 14th century.

Drammatically sited on a prominent headland, the castle lies about one mile from Craster.  From the south it is approached over a gentle slope.  From the north, however, the headland rises to form a rugged 150-foot cliff, a valuable natural defence.  The headland itself is part of the Great Whin Sill, a geological formation which runs across the county of Northumberland. 

The castle’s south perimenter is formed by a long enceinte wall with two rectangular towers (known as the Constable and Egyncleugh towers), as well as two turrets.  A large and indomitable gatehouse stands at the western corner.  Upon the hilltop is the Lilburn Tower, a rectangular turreted watch tower.  The twin-towered gatehouse was the principal residential block of the castle.  Behind this lay an enclosed courtyard.

The gatehouse-keep is a formidable example of 14th century military architecture.  The towers rose to four stories and were originally capped by turrets.  Between the towers, the long gate passage was protected by gates at either end. The gatehouse was divided into three rooms, with the central one controlling the mechanism for the portcullis. On the second floor was a hall and several chambers.

The Lilburn and Constable towers housed residential chambers with fireplaces. The large expanse of land in the middle of the castle may have be used as a billeting area for troops.  The slopes bordering the castle reveal traces of medieval rig-and-furrows, suggesting that the land supported farming.  This would have provided subsistence for the castle’s inhabitants.

Despite being well-equipped for conflict, Dunstanburgh did not play a major role in the border wars with Scotland. During the Wars of the Roses the castle was held for the Lancastrians, before falling into decay. A 1538 report described it as a ‘very reuynus howsse and of smalle strength.’ Locals used much of the castle’s stone for neighbouring buildings.  Dunstanburgh’s last private owner was Sir Arthur Sutherland, who donated the castle to the Ministry of Works in 1929. The castle is now owned by the National Trust and is in the care of English Heritage. 

The artist J.M.W. Turner painted Dunstanburgh on many occasions, usually beginning at dawn.