The castle was built in the 14th century and is often ascribed to Anthony de Lucy, who died in 1343. It was first called a 'castle' in 1365 but is probably the best preserved tower house in Northumberland. The castle belonged to the Earl of Northumberland in the late 14th century and was destroyed by Henry IV in 1405. It apparently remained in ruins for over 500 years until it was restored by Cadwallader Bates at the end of the 19th century. Since then it has undergone a number of changes of use, including a private school, and is now a hotel.
Langley Castle is the grandest of the upper floor hall houses in the county. It has a central block with projecting towers giving an overall H-plan, with a forebuilding attached to the south-east tower. Although much of the ground floor windows and doorways, internal floors and partitions, parapets and battlements are from the 19th century restoration, much of the original medieval fabric of the building is well preserved. The most notable medieval features include the entrance doorway to the forebuilding with portcullis slot and roof boss, through which the portcullis chain passed; a unique tiered series of garderobes in the south-west tower, and a possible chapel on the top floor of the south-east tower. The castle stands in open parkland and has no enclosing walls or banks. This is a Grade I Listed Building protected by law. See also:
Source of Reference
Local History of Haydon
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Langley Castle, Haydon.
Photo by Harry Rowland, 1967.
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