The National

Bamburgh Castle

  • Bamburgh Castle sits on the cliffs of England’s Northumberland coast. All photos courtesy Francis Watson-Armstrong
    Bamburgh Castle sits on the cliffs of England’s Northumberland coast. All photos courtesy Francis Watson-Armstrong
  • Its owner has 'no idea' how many rooms there are in total
    Its owner has 'no idea' how many rooms there are in total
  • The castle dates back to the Norman Conquest of 1066, though the earliest structure is thought to have been built in 547 AD
    The castle dates back to the Norman Conquest of 1066, though the earliest structure is thought to have been built in 547 AD
  • Past regal residents include British kings such as Henry VI and James I
    Past regal residents include British kings such as Henry VI and James I
  • Francis Watson-Armstrong grew up living inside the castle from a young age
    Francis Watson-Armstrong grew up living inside the castle from a young age
  • When he was 23, he took over the running of the castle
    When he was 23, he took over the running of the castle
  • Ten private apartments are also rented out to long-term residents, with another let as a holiday home
    Ten private apartments are also rented out to long-term residents, with another let as a holiday home
  • During the UK's coronavirus lockdown, its residents have bunkered down behind castle walls
    During the UK's coronavirus lockdown, its residents have bunkered down behind castle walls