Dunstanburgh Castle

The Dunstanburgh Castle was built in 1313 when the conflict between Earl Thomas of Lancaster and King Edward II was hotting up. The castle is located on a remote headland in Northumberland and was built on a truly magnificent scale, perhaps as an insult to the King. The Earl was executed in 1322 after his rebellion against the King failed and the castle was passed to John of Gaunt. Over the years, it saw the Wars of the Roses and other conflicts before falling into decay. And over the years it became one of the most stunning abandoned castles around.

Dunstanburgh Castle is mostly in ruins now but was once absolutely stunning. John of Gaunt converted the twin-towered gatehouse into a Keep to strengthen it against the Scottish invasions. These additions add to its foreboding atmosphere and are an architectural marvel on their own. And the setting, poised high along the coast, is fitting for every spooky, Gothic tale ever told. As you might expect, there are lots of spooky legends attached to this castle.

Thomas of Lancaster, the original owner, suffered a brutal death. It took the executioner 11 strokes to decapitate him and his ghost is said to haunt the castle, carrying his mangled head. The ghost of Margaret of Anjou, the wife of Henry VI has also been seen wandering the grounds. The dramatic ruins have also given rise to the legend of Sir Guy the Seeker. According to this creepy story, Sir Guy took shelter from a storm in caves under the castle. He was approached by a warlock and followed him after being promised a great beauty. Once in the castle, he made the wrong choice to save the woman and was trapped there, haunting the corridors, looking for the beauty he’d lost.