Norham Castle

THE Castle of Norham-upon-Tweed, " Old Norham," the Queen of Border fortresses, and the most important stronghold between Carlisle and Berwick, was long the " Castle Dangerous" of that contested territory, and the strongest place on the Marches. It is a lasting monument of episcopal magnificence, founded, restored, and maintained by Flambard, Pudsey, and Beke, three of the most powerful prelates who sat in the chair of St. Cuthbert, and as an example of a great Norman keep, not unworthy to be named with Bamborough itself. The natural strength of the ground led to its early occupation for purposes of defence, and the traditions of Norham are in keeping with its architectural grandeur. Here the Roman Legions paused in their progress northwards, and threw up earthworks which may still be recognised, and which were probably abandoned when, under the military occupation of the country, a permanent road was laid out a few miles to the eastward, near to the mouth of the river. An early settlement of the Saxon kings of Deira seems to have been on the steep side of Yevering Bell, the ancient Gebrium, a spur of the Cheviot range, about twelve miles south of Norham, where there yet remain formidable earthworks, which Mr. Raine regarded as traces of the residence of the celebrated Eadwine, King of Deira (585-633), the disciple and friend of Paul in us, but who derived his knowledge of Christianity and probably his taste for a hill residence from Cad van of Gvvynedd, by whom he was educated. From hence, in later times, his successors moved their seat to Millfield, a place near to the Till, and scarcely nine miles from Norhani. Probably it was from hence that the Saxon kings guarded that pass of the Tweed then called VOL. xxxni

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