- The Founder: Thomas, Earl of Lancaster
Dunstanburgh Castle was constructed between 1313 and 1322 by Thomas, Earl of Lancaster, one of the most powerful nobles of his time and a cousin of King Edward II.
Thomas was a wealthy and ambitious magnate who sought to establish a grand residence and fortress to assert his influence in the north and serve as a base in his opposition to Edward II.
- Construction and Design
The castle’s design reflects both military and residential purposes. Unlike earlier motte-and-bailey castles, Dunstanburgh was built entirely in stone and featured massive curtain walls, twin gatehouses, and towers.
Key features included:
- A large rectangular enclosure with formidable curtain walls.
- Two imposing gatehouses, the Great Gate to the south and the Water Gate to the north.
- Corner towers for defense and residential buildings within the courtyard.
The design emphasized strong coastal defenses, controlling the narrow land approach and offering protection from sea attacks.
Architectural Features
- Curtain Walls and Towers
The curtain walls of Dunstanburgh were approximately 4 meters (13 feet) thick, constructed from locally quarried sandstone.
The walls were punctuated by rectangular towers at each corner and midway along the curtain walls, providing flanking fire and improved defense.
- Gatehouses
The two gatehouses are among Dunstanburgh’s most distinctive features.
- The Great Gate: Served as the main entrance and was heavily fortified with twin towers, a portcullis, and murder holes.
- The Water Gate: Provided access from the north and allowed supplies and reinforcements to arrive by sea.
Both gatehouses served as symbolic statements of power and military strength.
- Inner Buildings and Courtyard
Inside the walls were domestic buildings including the great hall, chapel, kitchens, and living quarters.
Although much of the internal structures have been lost to time, archaeological investigations provide clues about the layout and use. shutdown123