Featherstone Castle, Featherstone. Photo by Peter Ryder.

Featherstone Castle is a large and complex country house. It is four-sided with a central courtyard and a tower at each corner. The tallest tower is 14th century and is the main piece of medieval work in the building. The origins of the castle lie in the medieval period when the manor of Featherstone belonged to the Featherstonehaugh family. The oldest part of the building may be a 13th century hall house, which now lies within the west range, or Gun Room. This early work is difficult to interpret and some of it may not be in its original position. In the 14th century the tower was added to the building and it is typical of many towers in south Northumberland. Little changed at the castle from this time until the 17th century, when it was remodelled. However, we do not know a great deal about the layout of the castle at this time. A few 17th century architectural features survive and show Gothic tendencies, a fashion also revived in Scotland and Yorkshire at this time. The 19th century saw more work at the castle when it was remodelled and extended between 1812 and 1820. This is a Grade I Listed Building protected by law.