Newcastle Castle Keep
Newcastle's 'new' Fortress – well, 1178!
Constructed between 1168 and 1178 by King Henry II on the site of an earlier wooden castle built by Robert Curthose. This stunningly impressive castle keep located at the northern end of the High Level Bridge effectively controlled the road to Scotland.
The defences were further improved between 1248-50 with the addition of a gatehouse or barbican known as the Black Gate. Both the Castle and the Black Gate can be viewed using one ticket.
However, by the time the City Walls were constructed in the 13th and 14th centuries the castle failed to have any real military significance and became a ruin. Several restorations in recent years have brought the Keep back to its former magnificence.
Don’t miss the second floor museum or the splendid views of Newcastle’s bridges, the Central Station and River from the battlements.