Prudhoe Castle
, Prudhoe, Northumberland, NE426NA
Begun between 1100 and 1120 to defend a strategic crossing of the River Tyne against Scottish invaders, Prudhoe Castle has been continuously occupied for over nine centuries. After two sieges during the 1170s - the Scots attackers reportedly declaring 'as long as Prudhoe stands, we shall never have peace' - the mighty stone keep and a great hall were added, followed in about 1300 by two strong towers.