Dunstanburgh Castle

The construction of Dunstanburgh Castle began in 1313 under Earl Thomas of Lancaster and was completed by 1322. Thomas, an opponent of King Edward II, utilized the natural features of the site, which already had an Iron Age fortification, to create a refuge. After his execution in 1322, the castle fell to the Crown and later to the Duchy of Lancaster. In 1380, John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster, had the defenses strengthened due to the Scottish threat and the Peasants' Revolt of 1381. During the Wars of the Roses in the 15th century, the castle was a strategically important stronghold and changed hands several times.