Built on the most magnificent scale, Dunstanburgh Castle stands on a remote headland in Northumberland.
The castle was built at a time when relations between King Edward II and his most powerful baron, Earl Thomas of Lancaster, had become openly hostile. Lancaster began building the fort in 1313, and the latest archaeological research indicates that he built it on a much larger scale than initially recognised, perhaps more as a symbol of his opposition to the king than as a military stronghold.
Unfortunately, the earl failed to reach Dunstanburgh when his rebellion was defeated, and was taken and executed in 1322. The castle then eventually passed to John of Ghent, who fortified it against the Scots by converting the large gatehouse with its double tower into a keep.
It was the centre of fierce battles during the Wars of the Roses and was twice besieged and captured by Yorkist troops, but then fell into disrepair.
Dunstanburgh Castle can be reached by a scenic walk from the nearby village of Craster. The 2.1km walk along the rugged Northumberland coast traverses working farmland. Remember to follow the country code and the walking association's advice on walking in areas where livestock are present.
Just capturing that one special moment... that's photographing for me. Wherever it is, here in the Netherlands or during one of my travels. Many of my photos have a story ... Others are a beautiful detail that I enjoyed. Hopefully you will also enjoy these photos when they hang.. Read more…