Cartington Castle

Cartington Castle stands in a quiet Northumberland hamlet, two miles north-west of Rothbury. It is a medieval ruin partly restored, looking down on the River Coquet. The castle is a Scheduled Ancient Monument and a Grade I listed building. Its first owner was Ralph Fitzmain in 1154. A pele tower was built in the late 14th century. John Cartington extended it in 1442 after receiving a licence to crenellate. The castle played a role in royal and military history. Margaret, Queen of Scots, stayed here with her baby daughter in 1515 during her flight from Scotland. Nearly ten years later, Lord Dacre stationed troops here before marching north. During the English Civil War, Sir Edward Widdrington raised 2,000 foot soldiers and 200 horse to defend the castle. The Royalists held out for over two hours against a Parliamentary siege in 1648 before the castle was slighted. Visitors find a partly restored ruin with standing walls and foundations. The great hall and pele tower remain visible. The castle sits on a slope above the Coquet valley. Its protected status keeps the site safe for exploration. The surrounding hamlet is small and peaceful. The castle’s history is clear in its stonework and layout.