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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, possibly built by King Canute in the early eleventh century. The Neville family fortunes reached their peak when John Neville helped orchestrate Richard II's overthrow in 1399. This paved the way for Henry Bolingbroke to take the throne as Henry IV. When Henry V succeeded his father as king, the Nevilles continued as important royal allies. John Neville's son Ralph was made Earl of Westmorland in 1397, and he is mentioned in Shakespeare's play Henry V, as one of the king's staunchest supporters.

The Neville's fourteenth century castle was not a fighting castle, but a symbol of family power and wealth. This wealth was gained mainly in wars against Scotland. Fortifications involved in the actual business of warfare were 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.

By the same token religion can be a potent factor in warfare, as demonstrated by the fate of the Neville's of Raby. Neville power was to be broken in the rising of the northern earls in 1569. This rebellion, planned in the Baron's Hall at Raby, was an attempt by England's catholic north to force Elizabeth I to choose a catholic successor. The rising, quickly put down by Elizabeth's government, turned into a disaster for the north, and for the Nevilles, who lost Raby.

Raby Castle survives today as the private home of Lord Barnard, a Neville descendent. Raby has beautifully restored interiors and a large collection of art works. 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, Sunday to Wednesday, 1pm - 5pm

July and August, Sunday to Friday, 1pm - 5pm

Saturday opening on Bank Holiday weekends.

Guided tours only available Monday to Wednesday. Open for Easter 11th - 13th April.

The park and gardens are open 11am - 5.30pm

Address: Raby Castle, Staindrop, Darlington, County Durham DL2 3AH

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: 01833 660202

fax: 01833 660169

e-mail: admin@rabycastle.com

web site: www.rabycastle.com