| |
|
|
Wark Castle: Wark Castle in 16th Century
Wark Castle was critical in the defence of the Borders during the Tudor period. It was described by the Earl of
Northumberland as the 'stay and key of all this country', and by his nephew as 'situate for annoyance and
defence in the best place of all the frontiers'. Although at this time it belonged to the Grey family it was
often in royal hands and considerable sums were spent on its repair and refurbishment.
The early part of the 16th century saw increased tension between Scotland and England. In 1523 the captain of Wark
led a raid across the Tweed, killing 25 and capturing 61 of the enemy. Later that year the Duke of Albany, heir to
the Scottish throne, attacked the castle; for two days he bombarded the castle from across the river. He then sent
2000 Frenchmen across in boats to make an assault. There was fierce fighting and the inner and outer ward were
breached, however the tiny garrison of 100 eventually managed to drive the attackers off. The earl of Surrey sent a
relieving force and Albany quickly fled, but the castle had been seriously damaged and, for a while, the keep was
uninhabitable.
The strategic value of the border castles at this time led to large sums being spent on modernising Wark. In 1545 a
report from the newly refurbished castle listed the garrison and ordnance held there and described how every night
eight men kept watch and a further two patrolled to ensure the watchmen were doing their duty. In 1547 preparation
for another campaign into Scotland led to the garrison being raised to 200 men and �1000 was spent on supplies. The
following year the Scots, with French troops, retaliated and captured the castle but it was not held.
|
|
|
 |
