Barnard Castle – the historic, ‘must-see’ European market town.
Barnard Castle is an historic market town which takes its name from the castle beneath which it grew. The castle, an English Heritage property, was named after its 12thC founder, Bernard de Balliol, and was later developed by Richard III whose boar emblem is carved above a window in the inner ward.
A haven for treasure seekers, the town’s many antique shops provide a charming shopping experience. And for food lovers, locally produced food can be found at the monthly farmers’ market which is held on ‘the cobbles’ in the Market Place.
In the centre of the town stands an octagonal building, the ‘Butter Market’, built by Thomas Breaks and given to the town in 1747. Two bullet holes in the weather vane are reputed to be the result of a shooting competition between a volunteer soldier and a local gamekeeper in 1804.
Nearby, The Bowes Museum is an impressive and charming French-style chateau, built in the late 19thC by John Bowes, and surrounded by beautiful gardens and parkland. The museum houses a collection of European fine and decorative arts and is regarded as one of the most significant museums outside London.
Barnard Castle History
The castle was founded by the Normans shortly after the conquest, but enjoyed its heyday under Bernard de Bailliol during the latter half of the 12th century. The castle passed into the hands of the Balliol family (of which the Scottish king, John Balliol, was the most important member), and then into the possession of [...]
Barnard Castle Steam Fair
The Steam Fair is a popular event for the May Bank Holiday weekend with lots to see as well as a wide range of stalls selling a wide range of products and produce. Why not come along and see how things were being done at the start of the century, with daily demonstrations of Threshing [...]
Address:
The Gables Offices, Gas Lane Middleton-in-Teesdale
DL12 0TN
Telephone: 01833 640 492
Barnard Castle Truck Show
Barnard Castle Truck Show is one of the regions best loved events with a host of things to see and do, it has attracted thousands of visitors every year. The Truck Show has become a major event with a wide selection of vehicles on show and prize categories throughout the ranges it has helped to [...]
Address:
Gas Lane, Middleton in Teesdale,
DL12 0TN
Telephone: 01833 640492