The History of Langley Castle

14th Century Medieval Castle in Northumberland

Discover the History of Langley Castle

Tucked away in the quiet countryside village of Langley, of 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. 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 next chapter of Restoration

After their execution, the Langley estates were confiscated by the crown, and administration passed to the Royal Naval Hospital at Greenwich. Signs of the Admiralty’s influence remain today, including an anchor motif on a house at Langley and the naming of the local pub, The Anchor.
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.

Today, Langley Castle Hotel stands as a unique blend of history and modern hospitality, offering guests the chance to experience the past while enjoying the comforts of the present.

Our comprehensive The History of Langley Castle 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.

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!

Our Battlements Tour is free for resident guests and is only £5 for members of the public. To book your place on the Battlements Tour, call us at 01434 688888

History for Kids

The Langley Bear and The Snowy Knight

Nestled just a few miles from Hadrian’s Wall and the historic market town of Hexham, Langley Castle Hotel invites families to experience a stay like no other—within walls that have stood strong for over 670 years. History comes alive here in the most engaging way, especially for our younger guests.
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.

The 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.

The Langley Bear

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.

TheLangley 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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