Raby Castle

Raby Castle is a remarkable medieval castle in County Durham, England with a rich history spanning over nine centuries. As one of the most well-preserved medieval castles in the country, Raby Castle provides a captivating window into British history and architecture.

Origins in the 11th Century

The very earliest beginnings of Raby Castle date back to the years immediately following the Norman conquest of England in 1066. Some historians believe the first construction on the site was initiated between 1071-1072.

The initial manor house built at Raby is believed to have been constructed by Robert de Comines, Earl of Northumbria. A powerful Norman lord, Comines was granted vast lands in Durham by King William the Conqueror. Constructing a manor at Raby helped Comines establish Norman authority and control in this wild northern region.

However, the early Norman hold on Durham proved tenuous. In 1069, the resistant native Anglo-Saxons rebelled against their new Norman overlords. Bands of rebels stormed Raby and killed Robert de Comines along with hundreds of his men in the uprising known as the Harrying of the North.

Following the Norman crackdown on the rebellion, Raby manor passed to another Norman baron, Guy de Balliol. But over the next decades, the manor changed hands multiple times as the Anglo-Saxons and Normans battled for supremacy in the region.

The tumultuous times surrounding the Norman conquest left an indelible mark on Raby. From the bloodshed of its earliest days, Raby’s strategic regional importance was clear. The site would eventually become one of the most formidable Norman strongholds in northern England.

The Neville Family Transforms Raby

In the late 1300s, Raby manor passed into the hands of the influential Neville family, who held the Earldom of Westmorland. In 1377, John Neville began converting the manor into a mighty medieval fortress befitting his noble status. He added imposing stone walls and towers, transforming Raby into a castle.

Wars of the Roses and Raby Castle

The Neville family played a pivotal role in the dynastic civil Wars of the Roses between the Houses of York and Lancaster from 1455-1487. As staunch Yorkists, the Nevilles used the castle as one of their primary strongholds in northern England. The fortress withstood several sieges during this turbulent period, demonstrating the strength of its defences.

Raby Established as a Powerful Northern Fortress

By the end of the 15th century, Raby Castle was established as one of the most important medieval castles in northern England. Its strategic location, formidable fortifications and association with the formidable Nevilles solidified its status and influence for centuries to come.

Henry VIII Seizes Raby Castle

After the failed Rising of the North rebellion against Henry VIII’s religious reforms in 1569, the castle became a casualty of the Crown’s wrath against the rebellious northern Earls.

The driving force behind the rebellion was Charles Neville, 6th Earl of Westmorland, a Catholic who despised Henry VIII’s break with Rome. Using the castle as his main base, Westmorland rallied forces of around 6,000 men to march south towards York. However, the rebel army failed to capture the city and soon dispersed due to lack of focus and resources.

In the aftermath of the failed uprising, Henry VIII was determined to stamp his authority on the troublesome northern Earls. The King unleashed a wave of retaliation, including demanding the surrender of Raby Castle. Having little choice, Charles Neville obeyed the order and handed over control of the formidable fortress to Crown forces in 1569.

For nearly a decade, Raby Castle was garrisoned by royal troops and administrators. The Crown was wary of any further rebellious activity by northern nobles. Stripping the Nevilles of their ancestral seat of Raby was both punitive and strategic, helping solidify Tudor control over the volatile northern Marches bordering Scotland.

By seizing the castle in the wake of the failed rebellion, Henry VIII dealt a crushing blow to the mighty Nevilles who had ruled it for almost two centuries. The Neville era was over, and Raby would soon pass into the hands of a new noble dynasty.

The Vane Family and 17th Century Renovations

In 1626, Raby Castle was purchased by Sir Henry Vane the Elder. The prominent Vane family became closely associated with the castle for centuries to come. During their ownership in the 17th century, they remodeled sections of the castle and improved the grounds in line with changing tastes.

Civil War Siege and Damage

As supporters of King Charles I, the Vanes used Raby as a Cavalier stronghold during the English Civil War. In 1644, Raby was besieged by Scots allies of the Parliamentarians, sustaining serious damage from artillery bombardments before surrendering.

Restored Following the Civil War

Once the turmoil of the Civil War ended, the Vanes set about repairing and restoring the castle in the late 1600s. The interiors were redecorated in lavish Baroque style, adding to the comfort and grandeur of the castle.

18th and 19th Century Developments

The 18th and 19th centuries saw Raby Castle transition from an aristocratic home to a stately tourist attraction open to the public. While still owned by the Vane family, the castle took on more of a ceremonial role.

Ownership Stays in the Vane Family

Despite changing fortunes, the castle remained in the Vane family from the 17th century onwards. In 1799, Francis Charles Vane inherited the castle and became the first Baron Barnard. His descendants have owned Raby ever since.

Remodelling in the Victorian Era

In the Victorian era, sections of the castle were remodeled and restored. This included new servants quarters, kitchens and state rooms designed in Gothic Revival style. The grounds were landscaped in Picturesque style with sweeping lawns.

Opening Raby to Tourists

By the late 1800s, Raby Castle was opened to the paying public at certain times of the year, allowing tourists access to designated parts of the castle and gardens. This helped offset the mounting costs of maintaining the estate.

Raby as an Aristocratic Residence

Despite opening to tourists, Raby Castle continued functioning as an aristocratic family residence for the Barnard family, successors to the Vanes. The family moved into other wings and apartments within the vast castle complex.

Raby Castle Today

In the present day, Raby Castle continues to balance its dual roles as a private family home and public tourist attraction. The castle remains in excellent condition and stands as a leading example of a preserved medieval noble residence.

Current Ownership and Residence

Raby Castle remains owned by the Vane family, currently headed by the 9th Baron Barnard. Sections of the castle are still used as a private residence by the Barnard family. The family occupy private apartments within the Upper Courtyard.

Tourist Attractions and Events

Large parts of Raby Castle and its gardens are open seasonally for public tours. The State Rooms contain impressive artworks and furnishings. Raby also hosts many events like car shows, sporting games, concerts and medieval re-enactments.

Preservation and Maintenance

While still lived in, meticulous work ensures the preservation of Raby Castle’s medieval fabric and interiors. The castle requires constant maintenance and renovation using traditional methods and materials to retain its historic character.

Historic Status

Raby Castle is a Grade I listed building, acknowledging its exceptional historic and architectural significance. The castle is considered among the most intact and best preserved medieval castle complexes in private ownership in England.

How to find Raby Castle

Map to Raby Castle Map and directions

Map

Raby Castle address Raby Castle, Raby Castle Drive, Raby with Keverstone, County Durham, North East, England, DL2 3AH, United Kingdom

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