Belsay Castle

Belsay Castle stands in Northumberland, northern England. Built in the 14th century, it is a large rectangular pele tower with rounded turrets and battlements. The Middleton family lived there for centuries. In 1614 Thomas Middleton added a new manor house to the tower. A west wing followed in 1711 but was mostly removed in 1872 by Sir Arthur Middleton. The family left in the early 19th century when Sir Charles Monck built Belsay Hall nearby. Interiors were taken out and the castle became a folly for garden parties. English Heritage now manages the site for visitors. Visitors walk through the pele tower and see its three floors. The attached manor house and ruins of the west wing remain. The castle sits in open grounds near Belsay Hall and gardens. Its stone walls and turrets frame views of the Northumberland countryside.