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There isn’t much left of Ravensworth Castle. This once grand
mansion near to Gateshead’s Team Valley was demolished / deteriorated during
the mid-twentieth century, leaving only a few outbuildings and odd pieces of
masonry intact. For centuries it was the home of the multi-titled Liddell
family, eventually falling victim to mining subsidence.
It had known great days, however. Most notable of these were
two great events which took place in the first half of the nineteenth century. Firstly,
in October 1827, it was visitied by the Duke of Wellington during a high profile
national tour. Fine enough, one might think, but at the behest of host Lord
Ravensworth the equally famous Sir Walter Scott was also invited to Ravensworth
– the two great men staying at the castle for a few short days.
The Duke’s opinion of the stately pile do not seem to have
been recorded, but Scott’s diary reveals a few pointed thoughts. After
returning to Ravensworth from a banquet at Durham Castle in the early hours of
4th October, he records:
Slept till nigh ten;
fatigued by our toils of yesterday, and the unwonted late hours. Still too
early for this Castle of Indolence, for I found few of last night’s party yet
appearing.
The next day he describes a quiet day, followed by an
evening with…
… plenty of fine music
with heart as well as voice and instrument…. The Miss Liddells and Miss
Barrington sang “The Campbells are coming’ in a tone that might have waked the
dead.
Lord Ravensworth’s reputation as a host was further cemented
by an even grander gathering in October 1842 on the occasion of his grandson’s
21st birthday. Around 500 distinguished guests from home and abroad
were invited, including the Archduke of Austria, together with dozens of lords,
ladies, earls and barons. Most of the aristocracy from the northern counties
were there, it seems. It must have been a sumptuous occasion.
All a far, far cry from the sad sight of today.
All a far, far cry from the sad sight of today.
Why not come along to...
Thanks Mick - I see the blog is 8 years old! But as Lord Ravensworth is one of my ancestors it’s good to read about the history of the castle.
ReplyDeleteHi Thanks for info on Ravensworth. I am a Liddell by birth and the castle was owned by my great great grandfather. ( Lord Ravensworth) We had a family trip there a few years ago, were shown around the ruins and met the current Lord Ravensworth. If only they could have saved the castle!
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