Haughton Castle

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Haughton Castle

Northumberland

Location
Grid reference: NY918729
Location: 55°3’2"N, 2°7’48"W
Village: Humshaugh
History
Built 13th century
Information
Owned by: Braithwaite family

Haughton Castle is a privately owned country mansion and castle standing to the north of the village of Humshaugh on the west bank of the North Tyne [1] in Northumberland. It is found around five and a half miles north of the county's central market town, Hexham.

The castle is a Grade I listed building.[2] It was built originally in the 13th century as a tower house and was enlarged and fortified in the 14th century. At this time the castle was owned by Gerald Widdrington and, although the Widdringtons still owned it in the early 14th century, the Swinburns were living there.[3]

By the 16th century, the castle fell into ruin and disrepair, and it was attacked by Border reivers.[3] A survey of 1541 reported the roof and floors to be "decayed and gone".[4]

The property was acquired by the Smith family in about 1640, but in 1715 a further survey stated the building to be ruinous.[5]

Significant alterations were carried out for the Smiths between 1816 and 1845, latterly by architect John Dobson to convert the ruin into a substantial mansion.[4] The Crawshaw family came into possession in 1862,[3] and a west wing was added for them by Anthony Salvin in 1876.[4] In the late 19th century it was acquired by the Cruddas family.[6]

Part of the castle served as a hospital during the Second World War.[7]

The castle is currently owned by the Braithwaite family.[8]

Some commentators suggest Haughton is the location for the traditional song "Waters of Tyne".[9]

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References