Guidebook: Barnard Castle,Bowes Castle & Egglestone

Barnard Castle stands on the cliffs above the river Tees. It was begun soon after 1093, when the Tees formed the boundary between the lands of the Bishop of Durham and those of Alan Rufus, which later formed the Honour of Richmond. It was built by the Picardy-born knight, Guy de Balliol, to guard the river crossing, and took its name from his nephew, Bernard, who rebuilt the castle in the 12th century. In 1292 the last of the Balliol lords, John Balliol II, became king of Scotland, but was deposed by Edward I of England, who confiscated his lands. The earls of Warwick held Barnard for over 150 years and it was acquired by the future Richard III in 1474. It was dismantled in 1630. Bowes Castle and Egglestone Abbey, to the south of the Tees, both fell within the Honour of Richmond. Bowes was probably begun by Alan, Earl of Richmond, in the early 12th century and its keep was built by Henry II. Egglestone was founded in about 1196–8 as a house of Premonstratensian canons. It was dissolved in 1540 during the Suppression and converted into a mansion. All three are now managed by English Heritage. Key Features: Published: March 2019 Paperback