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Lumley Castle
 | Lumley Castle
Everyone who has lived in Chester-le-Street is no doubt familiar with Lumley Castle. Situated just to the east of the River Wear and standing on sloping parkland it gives the appearance of a fortified mansion house. Typical of a number of 14th century English castles it exemplifies the change from fortresses to domestic houses. As the Scots, during the 14th century, still continued to attack north-east England the castle was constructed to withstand possible attack. A similar castle can be seen at Castle Bolton in Wensleydale in Yorkshire although Lumley appears to have withstood the ravages of time much better.
The original structure has been altered during the mid 18th century by the famous architect Sir John Vanbrugh. Vanbrugh is also noted for the restoration and alteration of both Castle Howard and Blenheim Palace. Lumley castle was altered on the instructions of the Second Earl of Scarborough whose family owned the castle at that time.
The castle has been owned by the Lumley family since the middle years of the 14th century. The most noteworthy of the early Lumleys was Ralph Lumley who became head of the family in 1374. He enjoyed greater wealth than previous Lumleys due to inheritance from his maternal ancestors. Ralph was a true English nobleman who distinguished himself in wars against both the Scots and the French. He was captured by the Scots at the Battle of Otterburn and was forced to pay a ransom to regain his freedom. Assistance with the ransom payment came from King Richard II who in 1392 appointed him Captain of the disputed border town of Berwick.
His friendship and loyalty for Richard II brought about his downfall and ultimate death. Richard II was deposed in 1399 by Henry of Lancaster who became Henry IV . Ralph was one of a number of close followers who tried to reinstate Richard on the throne and in January 1400 he was captured by a mob faithful to Henry in Cirencester and executed.
The Lumley lands were confiscated only to be re-instated in 1405 to Ralph’s son John. The Lumleys are also Earls of Scarborough, this being down to the efforts of Richard , Viscount Lumley who in 1690 was created Earl of Scarborough for his assistance to William of Orange when he became king. The present Earl of Scarborough lives at Sanbeck Hall near Rotherham.
In recent years the castle has served as a location for lodgings for Durham University students and to date it is leased to a hotel company and is both a luxury hotel and a conference centre. It also has a reputation as a venue for medieval banquets. In spite of the change of use, the structure of the building is largely untouched.
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