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In the 1330s, John Thirlwall built a stronghold that provided protection for his family and descendants for the next 300 years. The site chosen by John Thirlwall was a sheltered, wooded bank of the Tipalt Burn. It was not a naturally defensive position but it was surrounded by hill-top positions that could warn of impending raids. All the materials that were needed lay close by - timber, water and neatly dressed sandstone blocks which had been quarried by the Romans to build Hadrian's Wall.
Photograph by Robin van Mourik. Some rights reserved. (view original image)
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Thirl-Wall is an Old English place name meaning Gap In the Wall. It probably refers to a break in Hadrian's Wall where the ridge on which the Wall is located is crossed by a river or burn. The Thirlwall family adopted the name when they acquired the landholdings of the 'Township' of Thirlwall. It is no longer a common surname although the Parish of Thirlwall still exists
Photograph by Robin van Mourik. Some rights reserved. (view original image)
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Thirlwall Castle. These are the ruined remains of an early 14th century motte and bailey castle. Much of the stone used in the building of this fortified structure came from nearby Hadrian's Wall.
Photograph by Norma Foggo. Some rights reserved. (view original image)
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Click the [+] button a few times to zoom in on the Google Satellite image of the castle. (This works great in areas where Google has high resolution satellite images.)
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THIRLWALL CASTLE FACTS
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Location
near Greenhead, Northumberland
Description
Northumberland National Park Authority
Other Castles in the Area
Hermitage Castle
Carlisle Castle
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