Bowes Castle was built along the Roman road in County Durham in the north part of the Yorkshire Dales and in the same space as an older Roman fort. The castle was originally a timber structure, which was replaced in the 1170s. The design of the castle is unusual in England as it is a hall-keep design three stories high. The building of the castle also included a building of the village of Bowes and church, which was also unusual.
The castle was attacked by the Scottish and then became a ruin after the Civil War, and it remained in this condition with little interest in it from the local area. The castle is owned by English Heritage but free to visit during daylight hours. It's located close to the road so easy to visit.
The castle's keep/hall can be entered, but there's not much to see inside. There is a staircase that can be climbed that goes to the second level, which is now just a viewing platform of the site. Overall, the castle ground floor appears to be divided into two rooms, but they appear quite small.
Bowes Castle in County Durham is located a few miles from Barnard Castle, Brough Castle and Pendragon Castle.
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