Dunstanburgh Castle Photographs

Dunstanburgh Castle, from the south, walking up from Craster. The symbol of the Earl's ambition. Dunstanburgh Castle was first established in 1313 by Thomas, Earl of Lancaster (c1278-1322), cousin to King Edward II and one of his most powerful opponents.

The new castle was specially designed to impress visitors with Earl Thomas's power and authority as the leading English baron in the North.

Earl Thomas, arrogant and unpopular, was the leader of the political oppostion to King Edward II and his favourite, Piers Gaveston, Earl of Cornwall. In June 1312, Earl Thomas's supporters arrested and executed Gaveston, and act for which Edward II never forgave him. Dunstanburgh Castle was begun immediately afterwards on land which Thomas had inherited from his father. As well as giving him protection, the castle was built to imply that in the North, Earl Thomas was just as important as the King.