14th Century Medieval Castle in Northumberland

The History of Langley Castle

Tucked away in the quiet countryside village of Langley, Northumberland, England, Langley Castle holds over 670 years of history within its stone walls. Built in 1350 during the reign of Edward III, the castle was granted to Sir Thomas de Lucy, a loyal knight who constructed it to secure his estate and defend it against the turbulent times of war. Its strong stone walls, high towers, and strategic location made it both a symbol of power and a fortress.

Our comprehensive history guide traces the Castle’s lineage from its 14th-century origins to the present day. Discover its connections to key moments in British history, explore the evolution of its purpose over the centuries, and uncover many more fascinating insights into its rich past.

The Legacy of Langley Castle

Over the centuries, Langley Castle has retained its architectural integrity, becoming one of the few medieval fortified Castle Hotels in England still in its original form. The estate passed down through generations of Lords and Ladies, each tied to the kingdom’s changing fortunes. In the 17th century, the estate was inherited by the Earls of Derwentwater, who were also Viscounts of Langley. James, the third Earl, and his brother Charles participated in the Jacobite Risings of 1715, fighting for the Stuart kings. Their rebellion ended in tragedy, with both being executed at the Tower of London.

To honor their memory, a cross stands along the road from the castle to Haydon Bridge with the inscription:

In memory of James and Charles
Viscounts Langley
Beheaded on Tower Hill
24th Feb 1716 and 8th Dec 1746
For Loyalty to their Lawful Sovereign

The Greenwich Hospital Era

After the execution of the James Radcliffe, 3rd Earl of Derwentwater (and his brother) and the forfeiture of the estate, the property was taken by the Crown and handed over to the governors of Greenwich Hospital (for Seamen) in 1749.

Under Greenwich Hospital’s ownership the lands and associated income-generating assets (farms, mines, smelting works) were managed, but the castle itself was largely neglected, and remained in a state of ruin for more than a century.

The next chapter of Restoration

The Castle’s next chapter began in 1882 when local historian Cadwallader Bates purchased the property. His passion for history led to a meticulous restoration, returning Langley Castle to its 14th-century splendor. After his death in 1902, his wife Josephine continued the work, rebuilding the original chapel on the Castle roof in his memory. She dedicated herself to the restoration until her death in 1933, after which she was buried beside him in the Castle grounds.

After Josephine’s death in 1932 the castle stood empty, until the outbreak of the Second World War. During the war it served as a military barracks. After the war ended, the castle was converted into a girls’ boarding school, which operated until about 1972.

Restoration and Renewal

Following a period of disuse and various ownership changes, in 1986 the castle was acquired by Stuart Madnick, a professor at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He restored and renovated the building, transforming it into a luxury hotel, the property it remains today.

Battlement Tour

If you're intrigued by the rich past of Langley Castle, delve deeper we offer a Battlement tour starting at 10:15 am everyday, which takes you on a tour around the Castle highlighting the original structure, historic owners and reveal hidden aspects at the top of the battlement, those taking the tour will know the secret!

History for Kids

For curious young minds eager to explore the castle's past,
we've created the “Hairy History guide” Packed with fun facts
and quirky tales from 1350 to the present day, it's a humorous take on
our rich history, featuring none other than our resident reception knight,
Gilbert, on the cover.

Langley Bear and the Snowy Knight

Langley Bear and the Snowy Knight is a heartwarming tale of snowy adventures on the Langley grounds. When Langley Bear and his friend, Gilbert the knight, awaken to a magical winter landscape, the kind-hearted bear sets out to gather others for a joyful snowball fight. It’s the perfect bedtime story to wind down with after a day full of exploring, discovery, and family trip in Northumberland.

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