Norham Castle

Route Section: Borderlands // What3Words: dodging.slurping.surfacing

Set on a grassy mound, commanding a vital ford over the River Tweed. Norham Castle was once a crucial stronghold in this historically turbulent region. Located just half the river's width away from the border between England and Scotland, Norham formerly possessed the infamous title of "most dangerous place in England". Keeping a watchful eye on the border for 450 years Norham Castle was one of the great English strongholds along the river Tweed. It was also the one most frequently attacked by the Scots - they besieged it a staggering 13 times, once for nearly a year by Robert the Bruce. The region was wild and lawless, frequently erupting into open conflict. In wartime Norham’s English garrison defended the Tweed fords, an easy crossing point into England. Together with the nearby castles of Berwick and Wark, Norham played an essential role in England’s eastern border defences.