Belsay
Belsay Castle.Belsay is a village in Northumberland, in England. It is situated to the north-west of Newcastle upon Tyne and Ponteland, on the A696. Belsay is home to Belsay Castle.
It was founded by Scottish nobleman and doctor John de Strivelyn around 1340 when he was granted the property by Edward III. On his death the castle and estate passed to his daughter, who was married to Sir John Middleton, and has remained with the family since.
Belsay has many attractions: a fine medieval castle, enlarged into a mansion in the 17th century; the imposing Greek Revival villa which was built later; and the outstanding, plant-rich gardens linking the two buildings.
The whole ensemble was owned by the Middleton family for more than seven centuries. First came the castle, still dominated by its massive 14th century 'peel tower', one of the best surviving examples in England. Though built as a refuge at a time of endemic Anglo-Scottish warfare, it was also designed to impress: its first-floor great chamber still displays rare traces of elaborate medieval wall paintings.
Following the coming of peace under James I, a column-entranced mansion wing was added to the castle in 1614: here the family lived until Christmas Day 1817, when they moved into Belsay Hall.
Sir Stephen Middleton gave the property to English Heritage around 1980.
Article adapted from the Wikipedia online encyclopedia.
How to get to Belsay:
Map of area: CLICK HERE
It was founded by Scottish nobleman and doctor John de Strivelyn around 1340 when he was granted the property by Edward III. On his death the castle and estate passed to his daughter, who was married to Sir John Middleton, and has remained with the family since.
Belsay has many attractions: a fine medieval castle, enlarged into a mansion in the 17th century; the imposing Greek Revival villa which was built later; and the outstanding, plant-rich gardens linking the two buildings.
The whole ensemble was owned by the Middleton family for more than seven centuries. First came the castle, still dominated by its massive 14th century 'peel tower', one of the best surviving examples in England. Though built as a refuge at a time of endemic Anglo-Scottish warfare, it was also designed to impress: its first-floor great chamber still displays rare traces of elaborate medieval wall paintings.
Following the coming of peace under James I, a column-entranced mansion wing was added to the castle in 1614: here the family lived until Christmas Day 1817, when they moved into Belsay Hall.
Sir Stephen Middleton gave the property to English Heritage around 1980.
Article adapted from the Wikipedia online encyclopedia.
How to get to Belsay:
By road: From the south: Take the main A1 trunk road to Newcastle upon Tyne. On the A1 western bypass take the Kenton turn-off (A696) sign posted toward Ponteland. Follow the road on through Ponteland and Belsay is about 10 miles further on. From the north: Leave the A1 at Morpeth and head for the town centre and over the River Wanbeck bridge. At the roundabout take the third exit and head towards Loansdean. About 800 metres after leaving the roundabout you will see the golf club house on the right - turn right immediately after. Follow the road for 8 miles to Belsay.
By rail: The nearest station is Cramlington.
By bus: Very infrequent bus services run from Newcastle Haymarket Bus Station, Morpeth and Ashington. Check before travelling.
By rail: The nearest station is Cramlington.
By bus: Very infrequent bus services run from Newcastle Haymarket Bus Station, Morpeth and Ashington. Check before travelling.
Map of area: CLICK HERE
