he construction of Dunstanburgh Castle was started in around 1313 by Thomas, Earl of Lancaster. The castle is situated on rocky outcrops near the sea on the Northumbrian coast. The curtain wall of the castle still exist on the east and south sides of the castle. The north side is on the cliffs. The main gate-house is situated in the south-west corner of the enclosure. The gate-house consisted of two half-round towers and was converted into a keep. On the southern curtain wall, to the east of the gate-house are several towers. On the western curtain wall is the remains of a tall tower known as the Lilburn Tower.The castle was held for the Lancastrians during the Wars of the Roses but in 1463/4 was captured by the Yorkists. The castle fell into disrepair and the stones were taken away to be used in local buildings.
