The land on which Newcastle Keep now stands dates back as far as the middle of the 2nd Century. From this date until the start of the 5th Century the land was used as a Roman Fort. In 1086 the castle passed into the hands of Robert De Mowbray, he was an avid support of Robert Cuthrose and believed he had held the right to the throne. 9 years later William Rufus seized the castle forcing Robert to flee. In 1168 King Henry ordered that the Castle to be re-built in Stone, this took over 10 years to complete and cost thousands of pounds. Between 1247 and 1250 the Black Gate was added and major repairs to the Castle Walls were carried out as well as the construction of the town walls.

In 1620 the state of disrepair to the castle was very much evident when part of the west curtain wall collapsed, nothing was done to rectify the situation and reports in 1778 shows that there was no roof on the Keep and the Chapel was used as a beer cellar. Between 1810 and 1812 Newcastle Corporation purchased the remains of the Castle. In 1813 the fully restored Keep was made available to the public. Between 1939 and 1945 the roof was used as a Fire Warden and Air Raid Post and the basement became an Air Raid Shelter. Again the Castle underwent extensive restoration work in 1960 and again in the 1990’s.

There have been many ghostly experiences at the Castle including light anomalies seen in the Garrison Room and a distressed lady. In the Chapel there separate women have been seen, one crying, one praying and one laying flowers. In the Great Hall a young girl has been seen dancing about and in the Mezzanine Chamber a spirit called Jacob resides.


Love Angel!!!