"Etal Castle - another modelmaker's inspiration?" Topic

Etal Castle in Northumberland was prominent from the 14th to the 16th century and had roles in the Border Wars, the Wars of the Roses and the Flodden campaign. It is a castle for all periods.

In my picture captions I write that, in its prime, it resembled the sort of traditional castle which you used to see in toy shops when I was younger.

Lots of inspiration for modellers and I have included as many English Heritage illustrations as possible as a picture resource.

link

Barry

And if you want to see just how close the two rival castles were it is explained here:

link

Ford Castle appears to have had a substantial square keep, bigger than Etal, while the plan on the link below suggests the courtyard was also once almost square but was further extended in the post-medieval period with a second courtyard:

link

Looking at the first link's map, these two castles are about two wargame tables away from each other and could provide ample opportunity for a skirmish game. The rival families in their respective castles, a gang of Border Reivers, a Scottish raid and English reinforcements coming in from different directions.

So who is fighting who? Do the two families still fight each other or does one family do a deal with the Scots or the Reivers? You decide!

Barry

Very impressed with your presentations!
Despite living in South Northumberland, I have never visited many of the smaller castle sites. Maybe someday.

@Heedless Horseman:
I strongly recommend the smaller castles:

Edlingham:
link

Norham:
link

Barry

When I visited Etal (in 2005 so it may not still be the same) I was particularly impressed with the Battle of Flodden display, in itself well worth a visit IMHO.

@MacColla:
That section was closed when we were there but they appeared to be overhauling and improving it. I will have to go back now that I am shooting video as well as still photography.

B