Elsdon and Harbottle Castles

The reason for the siting of the Norman ringwork-and bailey-castle at Elsdon Mote Hills is clear, if, as argued above, Elsdon was the pre-Norman caput for most of Redesdale.

Even in the 13th and 14th centuries, when the seat of the lordship was well-established at Harbottle, Elsdon retained vestiges of its former status, most notably it remained the parochial centre for much of the liberty, embracing most of Redesdale up to the border. It was still one of the largest settlements, populated by free tenants, and was something of an economic centre with a weekly Thursday market and an annual fair around the Feast of St Bartholomew.

Picture : Motte Hills Earthworks At Elsdon