Haltwhistle

Thirwall Castle: Built in 1330 by John Thirlwall, with stone taken from the adjacent Hadrian's Wall. King Edward I ("Hammer of the Scots") stayed the night on 20th September 1306 at Thirlwall, en route to Burgh-by-Sands in Cumbria, where he intended to launch another attack on the Scots. Ironically during the Civil War 1642-1645, the building was still in good enough condition to be commandeered for use as a supply depot by Scottish troops helping the Parliamentarians. Thirlwall was abandoned in the mid 17th century but the well of the castle is reputedly haunted by a black dwarf who guards a table made from gold. Recent works by Northumberland National Park have improved access to the site making it safe for visitors. It is known to be home to resident colonies of both bats and swifts together with the rock plants and lichens that have grown over it for hundreds of years!