| Haughton Castle | |
| Coordinates: | 55.0505°N -2.1299°W |
| Built: | 13th century |
| Owner: | Braithwaite family |
| Designation1: | UK Grade I |
| Designation1 Offname: | Haughton Castle |
| Designation1 Date: | 20 October 1952 |
| Designation1 Number: | 1043027 |
Haughton Castle is a privately owned country mansion and Grade I listed building, situated to the north of the village of Humshaugh on the west bank of the North Tyne.[1] It is around north of the market town of Hexham, Northumberland.
It was built originally in the 13th century as a tower house and enlarged and fortified in the 14th century.[2] At this time the castle was owned by Gerald Widdrington and, although the Widdringtons still owned it in the early 14th century, the Swinburns were living there.[3]
By the 16th century, the castle fell into ruin and disrepair, and it was attacked by Border reivers.[3] A survey of 1541 reported the roof and floors to be "decayed and gone".[4]
The property was acquired by the Smith family in about 1640,[2] but in 1715 a further survey stated the building to be ruinous.[5]
Significant alterations were carried out for the Smiths between 1816 and 1845, latterly by architect John Dobson to convert the ruin into a substantial mansion.[4] The Crawshaw family came into possession in 1862,[3] and a west wing was added for them by Anthony Salvin in 1876.[4] In the late 19th century it was acquired by the Cruddas family.[6]
Part of the castle served as a hospital during the Second World War.[7] It is currently owned by the Braithwaite family.[8]
Some commentators suggest it is the location for the traditional song "Waters of Tyne".[9]