Tynemouth Castle and Priory
(Redirected from Tynemouth Priory and Castle)
The main gatehouse to Tynemouth Castle
Tynemouth Castle is situated on cliffs overlooking Tynemouth Pier. The moated castle-towers, gatehouse and keep are combined with the ruins of the Benedictine Priory where early kings of Northumbria were buried.
The castle was originally built in 1296 and the priory in the 11th century, which in turn had been erected on the site of a Saxon 7th century priory. Much remains of the priory structure as well as the castle gatehouse and walls which are 3200 feet in length.
Tynemouth Priory viewed from Tynemouth pier shows the strategic and dramatic nature of its headland setting
The castle played a role during World War II when it was used as a coastal defence unit.