Barnard Castle

Barnard Castle, located on the north bank of the River Tees, is a market town in County Durham which grew up around – and was named for – the castle.

Barnard Castle: This is what remains of a Norman and 14th century castle granted to Richard in 1475 as part of the Neville inheritance. Richard probably undertook some building here as his boar badge can be seen on the slab over an oriel window which was once part of the Great Chamber, now approached by a flight of modern steps on the inside of the curtain wall just south of the Round Tower. In the northeast section of the curtain wall is the Brackenbury Tower, named after Sir Robert Brackenbury. Unfortunately, the castle fell into ruins after Richard’s death. The castle is now managed by English Heritage.

The Bowes Museum collection includes the carving of a boar which was rescued from a cottage in the town when it was demolished.

Church of St Mary: Richard founded a chantry here at the same time as one at Middleham. He also paid for extensive works within the church. The chancel arch bears corbels with portrait heads of Richard and Edward IV. On the outside of the church, there is a carved boar beside the east window of the south transept.