2-982-404 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Brancepeth Castle, Durham, 1858. 'This noble edifice is said to be the earliest castellated building in the county of Durham, its foundation being coeveal with the Bulmer family, dating before the Norman Conquest. During many generations it was the property of that ancient Saxon family...During the rising in the North in the reign of Queen Elizabeth it was confiscated. After passing into the hands of several owners it came into the possession of William Russell, Esq., whose son Matthew restored the castle to its original splendour. Several of the rooms, arched with stone, built by the Nevilles in the time of Henry III., are not to be equalled in England. There have been great rejoicings recently at Brancepeth Castle and village...in consequence of the marriage of the Hon. Gustavus Hamilton Russell, the only son of Viscount and Viscountess Boyne, with Lady Catherine Frances Scott, great-granddaughter of the celebrated Earl of Eldon, and sister to the present Earl...The event was celebrated at Brancepeth Castle and in the village by the most joyful demonstrations. The day was ushered in by the firing of cannon and the ringing of the church bells'. From "Illustrated London News", 1858.