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Raby Castle, County Durham

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Raby Castle was built by the powerful Neville family around 1380 on the site of an earlier manor house. It is possible that the house was originally built by King Canute who owned the estate in the early eleventh century. The family reached the heights of power when John Neville helped orchestrate the overthrow of Richard the Second, which paved the way for Henry Bolingbroke to take the throne as Henry the Fourth. When Henry the Fifth succeeded his father as king, the Nevilles continued as important supporters of the king. John Neville's son Ralph was made Earl of Westmorland in 1397, and he is mentioned in Shakespeare's play Henry the Fifth, as one of the king's staunchest allies.

The fourteenth century castle built by the Nevilles was not a fighting castle, but a symbol of the family's power and wealth. This wealth was gained mainly in wars against the Scots. Fortifications involved in the actual business of warfare were the utilitarian pele towers built further north. This just goes to show that often castles are not meant for war at all. Raby is far too beautiful to have battles spoiling its romantic peace. As usual with castles there is an ambivalence about Raby. Religious buildings have long shared architectural features with castles, and the peaceful, spiritual purpose of a church is not very far from the emotions that a beautiful castle like Raby can evoke. The similarity between the earliest circular ditch and earth bank castles, and the earliest ditch and earth bank religious sites, is still with us in castles like Raby.

By the same token religion can be a potent factor in warfare, as demonstrated by the fate of the Neville's of Raby. The Neville's power was to be broken in the rising of the northern earls in 1569. The "Rising of the North" was an attempt by the catholic north to force the protestant Elizabeth the First to choose a catholic successor. The Baron's Hall at Raby was the location of a meeting of seven hundred northern knights plotting the rebellion. The rising was quickly put down by the government, and turned into a disaster for the north, and for the Nevilles, who lost Raby. See our article on the north east for more details.

Raby Castle survives today as the private home of Lord Barnard, a descendent of the Nevilles. The house has beautifully restored interiors and a large collection of art works. The surrounding gardens and deer park are all open to the public. The former Coach House now houses a collection of eighteenth and nineteenth century coaches and carriages. Food and drink are available at the Stable Tearoom.

Opening Times: May, June, September, castle is open 12.30pm - 5pm, park 11am - 5.30pm, Sunday to Wednesday. July and August, opening days are Sunday to Friday. Saturday opening on Bank Holiday weekends. Guided tours only available Monday to Wednesday. Open for Easter 22nd to 24th March.

Directions: Raby Castle can be found off the A688 near Staindrop in County Durham. Click here for an interactive map centred on Raby Castle.

Access: wheelchair access is limited to some areas on the ground floor. Grounds are generally accessible, but the paths are gravel, making pushing wheelchairs difficult. The Coach House, tearoom and gift shop are fully accessible. Wheelchairs are available for hire. It might be worth reserving one of these before you visit.

Contact:

telephone: +44 (0) 1833 660202

web site: www.rabycastle.com