Surprisingly, although there have been two castles in Morpeth, the part they played in Northumberland's history is relatively unimportant.
The first was at Haw Hill, which now forms part of Carlisle Park. It was a 'motte and bailey' founded by William de Merlay, to whom William the Conqueror granted the barony of Morpeth.
The second castle, nearby, was founded by a descendant, Roger de Merlay, between 1215 and 1239. During the Civil War of 1642-45, it housed a garrison of 500 Scots, fighting on behalf of Parliament. Besieged by King Charles Is men in 1644, they held out for three weeks before surrendering.
By 1814 nothing remained of the castle but part of the gatehouse, which was turned into a home towards the end of the 19th century.