Haughton Castle is a privately owned country mansion and Grade I listed building, situated to the north of the village of Humshaugh on the west bank of the North Tyne.[1][2] It is around 5+1⁄2 miles (8.9 km) north of the market town of Hexham, Northumberland.
It was built originally in the 13th century as a tower house and enlarged and fortified in the 14th century.[3] At this time the castle was owned by Gerald Widdrington and, although the Widdringtons still owned it in the early 14th century, the Swinburns were living there.[4]
By the 16th century, the castle fell into ruin and disrepair, and it was attacked by Border reivers.[4] A survey of 1541 reported the roof and floors to be "decayed and gone".[5]
The property was acquired by the Smith family in about 1640,[3] but in 1715 a further survey stated the building to be ruinous.[6]
Significant alterations were carried out for the Smiths between 1816 and 1845, latterly by architect John Dobson to convert the ruin into a substantial mansion.[5] The Crawshaw family came into possession in 1862,[4] and a west wing was added for them by Anthony Salvin in 1876.[5] In the late 19th century it was acquired by the Cruddas family.[7]
Part of the castle served as a hospital during the Second World War.[8] It is currently owned by the Braithwaite family.[9]
Some commentators suggest it is the location for the traditional song "Waters of Tyne".[10]
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