Edlingham Castle

I make no apology for waxing lyrical about Edlingham Castle, because this is where it all started for me. I used to see the castle from the road between Rothbury and Alnwick, and it always intrigued me. So, when it came to writing a book based on medieval Northumberland, Edlingham seemed to be the perfect setting and I fell in love with the place.

It is normally deserted, and although it is a ruin, it still seems to be imbued with a sense of life and vitality. I realise that I am probably biased, but whenever I’m there I can feel the presence of Rob and his friends. I can virtually see and hear young William and his Grandfather, Sir Andrew, chatting with the doughty Sergeant Armstrong.

I see the walls rebuilt, the tall irregular towers, the sturdy gatehouse and the indomitable barbican beyond. The now ruined and leaning solar tower dominates the skyline behind the majestic great hall, which in turn looks over a courtyard that bustles with life and activity.

There are times, during the writing of A Storm in the North, that I feel I may have lost contact with Rob and the others, but whenever I have, I have found them again right here.

My version of the ‘history’ of Edlingham may differ somewhat from the historical record, but nevertheless I love Edlingham, The past speaks to me here.