Travelling with Nick: Northumberland

If you haven't read Part 1 and would like to, the link is given at the end of this post.

Bamburgh Castle

Bamburgh has its origins in the 7th Century, through subsequent centuries it grew from strength to strength and became the home of the Kings of Northumbria and surrounding districts. It belonged to the monarchs of Medieval England who spent vast sums on its defenses in order to, mostly, defend Northern England against Scottish raids.

The castle was relinquished by James 1st (6th of Scotland) in 1610 and given to Claudius Forster who had previously had custody of the castle on the King's behalf.
The castle was already in poor repair and the Forsters could not afford to either repair or maintain it.

By injections of money from wealthy individuals who married into the into the Forster family and by others, the castle was slowly returned to something close to its former glory.

In 1984 the wealthy inventor and industrialist Lord William Armstrong bought the castle, it is still in this family's ownership today. The decorations, furnishings and artefacts reflect Lord Armstrong's interests and collecting skills.
The castle is referred to as 'The king of castles' because of its imposing appearance and its prominent elevated position.