Rothley Castle

Rothley Castle stands on a ridge above Rothley in Northumberland. It is an 18th-century Gothic folly built to look like a medieval castle. The architect Daniel Garrett designed it in 1755 for Sir Walter Blackett, who owned nearby Wallington Hall. The castle was meant to be seen from Wallington Hall across the landscape. A real medieval tower called Rothley Tower once stood close by but was taken down early in the 19th century. The castle is now a Grade II* listed building. The site is worth a visit because it shows how wealthy landowners created grand landscape features. Sir Walter Blackett wanted a dramatic skyline view from his home. The castle’s Gothic style copied older medieval buildings to give an air of romance. It also replaced a genuine medieval tower that had stood on the site. The folly remains part of the Wallington estate, which the National Trust now cares for. Visitors find a small but striking castle with tall, narrow windows and pointed arches. The walls are made of stone and the roof is steep and slate-covered. From the ridge there are wide views over the surrounding countryside. A path leads up to the castle from the estate below. Nearby Codger Fort, another folly, can be seen on the crags a mile to the north. The castle’s simple design and setting make it a quiet place to walk and enjoy the view.