Hylton Castle, Tyne and Wear

Hylton Castle is a ruined stone castle originally built from wood by the Hylton family shortly after the Norman Conquest in 1066, and later rebuilt in stone in the late 14th to early 15th century.

The castle underwent major changes to its interior and exterior in the 18th century and it remained the principal seat of the Hylton family until the death of the last "baron" in 1746. It was then neglected until 1812, when it was revitalised by William Briggs, its new owner, but left standing empty again until the 1840s when it was briefly used as a school. It was purchased again in 1862. The site passed to a local coal company in the early 20th century and was taken over by the state in 1950.

One of the castle's main features, is the heraldic devices found mainly on the west façade, which have been retained from the castle's original construction. They depict the coats of arms belonging to local gentry and peers of the late 14th to early 15th centuries and provide an approximate date of the castle's reconstruction from wood to stone. The Gothic windows were added in the 19th century by William Briggs.

Opening Times

Access to the grounds only.
Daily 10am to 5pm

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Ticket Prices

Admission is free.

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Disabled Facilities

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More Information

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