Guidebook: Etal Castle
Etal Castle was built in the early 14th century by Robert Manners, in a strategic position by a ford over the River Till. As a border stronghold, Etal was vulnerable to attack from Scottish raiders, and so the house was soon protected with curtain walls, corner towers and a gatehouse. In 1513, the castle was suddenly thrust into the forefront of national events, when it was captured by the Scots during James IV's attempted invasion of England, just before the Battle of Flodden. The castle was eventually abandoned in the 18th century, but its picturesque ruins still dominate the village of Etal.