Castles and Strongholds of Northumberland

Much more than an 'excellent gazetteer'; this detailed study of the county's castles, monuments and towers shows who was responsible for the defence of the Anglo-Scottish border whilst Henry V was at Agincourt. Subsequent surveys show how in 1584 Christopher Dacre forwarded a bold project that linked a string of towers forming a defence against marauding Scots, suggesting new towers to stop gaps, with a 'dyke or defence' joining them like a latter-day Hadrian's Wall. Beyond this line were the many Peles or Bastles, home to the headsmen of the notorious reiving families, who were cursed in 1525 by bishops of Durham and Glasgow as punishment for their brutal way of life, giving rise to much legend and romance. Meanwhile, polite society occupied the large castles nestled amongst the coastal area still standing today for all to see. This history and gazetteer, with over 500 entries and plentiful illustrations and plans, will enhance your understanding of the history of the borders and their proud, turbulent past.

BRIAN LONG has written numerous articles over the years. His interest in old buildings led to many visits and surveys whilst working for the Forestry Commission in the vast forests of Kielder, Redesdale, Target and Wark. He recorded everything from shielings to deserted villages, and has accumulated a vast amount of knowledge of the area. Today he lives in Herefordshire.