Blenkinsopp Castle is a combination of a ruinous 19th-century country mansion a 14th-century tower house. It is a Grade I listed building and a Scheduled Ancient Monument.

 

The castle is the haunt of a White Lady, who is said to appear more often to children rather than adults. Other phenomena include the sound of footsteps.

 

Pictured left is Blenkinsopp Castle courtesy of Karl and Ali.

Thirlwall Castle was built in the 12th century, and later strengthened using stones from nearby Hadrian's Wall. However, by the 17th century it began to fall into disrepair. The site is protected by Grade I listed building and Scheduled Ancient Monument status, as the Northumberland National Park Authority took over the management of the castle in 1999.

 

According to legend, the castle hides a gold table of such breathtaking quality, that it was the envy of all who saw it. It is still said to be secreted somewhere deep in the ruins. It is said to be guarded by the ghosts of a dwarf.

Thirlwall Common is supposedly haunted by the ghost of another 'Cauld Lad', that is synonymous with this part of Britain. If you are on the commmon and speak the words, "Cauld, Cauld, aye cauld, and ye'll be cauld for ever mair", the ghost of a pitiful six year old boy will appear.

 

According to Brooks, some witnesses have felt the touch of an "icy hand" here.

 

Pictured left is Thirlwall Common courtesy of Mike Quinn.