Dunstanburgh Castle facts for kids
Dunstanburgh Castle is an old castle built in the 1300s. It stands on the coast of Northumberland, a county in England. You can find it between the villages of Craster and Embleton. The castle is built on a huge rock right next to the North Sea.
Today, English Heritage looks after the castle. The name Dunstanburgh means 'the fort' (burgh) 'of the town' (dun) 'by the rock' (stan).
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History of Dunstanburgh Castle
The castle was first built in 1313. It was started by Thomas, 2nd Earl of Lancaster, a powerful lord. He was an enemy of King Edward II. Thomas only visited the castle once before he was killed.
Even before the castle was built, people lived here. We know this because Roman and Iron Age remains have been found. It might have even been an Iron Age fort.
The castle was not used much again until the Wars of the Roses. This was a big fight between two families in England. During these wars, the Earl of Warwick attacked Dunstanburgh Castle twice. These attacks almost completely destroyed it.
Dunstanburgh Castle in World War II
During WW2, the castle area was defended. People thought it could be a target for a German invasion.
To protect it, Land mines were placed around the castle. A radar station was also built nearby. The beaches were guarded with barbed wire. Small concrete buildings called pillboxes were built too. Soldiers stayed at the fort and other places to watch for enemies.
After the war, the castle was not used anymore. It is now in ruins, meaning it is mostly broken down. The land around it is now a Site of Special Scientific Interest. This means it is a special place for nature and wildlife.
Related pages
Images for kids
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The remains of the Constable's house and complex of buildings (left) and the Constable's Tower (right)
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Lilburn Tower, seen from the edge of the outer bailey
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The Gull Crag cliffs and Lilburn Tower
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A sketch of the castle by Thomas Girtin, 1796
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The Great Gatehouse in 1884, showing the partially-blocked passageway
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A type 24 concrete pillbox from the Second World War, positioned north of the castle
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A Six-spot burnet moth, part of the Site of Special Scientific Interest around the castle
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Surrounding landscape: A – North Mere; B – North Gate; C – earthen bank; D – West Gate; E – West Mere and fishponds; F – dam; G – South Mere; H – South Gate; I – harbour
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Plan of the castle: A – North Sea; B – Rumbling Churn; C – gateway to Castle Point; D – Gull Crag; E – Lilburn Tower; F – Outer bailey; G – Grange; H – Postern Gate; I – Huggam's House; J – John of Gaunt's Gatehouse; K – Inner bailey; L – Constable's House; M – Egyncleugh Tower; N – Queen Margaret's Cove; O – Great Gatehouse; P – Constable's Tower
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Plan of the Great Gatehouse
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Matthew Lewis, also known as 'Monk' Lewis, the author of the poem Sir Guy the Seeker
See also
In Spanish: Castillo de Dunstanburgh para niños
