and carried the flames into his camp, so that he was obliged to raise the siege.

In the year 710, King Osred, on the death of Alfred, his father. took shelter in this castle with Brithric, his tutor or guardian, one Edulph having seized the crown, by whom, with his partisans. they were unsuccessfully besieged

Brithric made so gallant a defense that the siege was turned into a blockade, which gave the loyal subjects time to arm in defense of their young king. On their marching hither to his relief Edulph fled, but was followed, taken, and put to death by Brithric. who thereby securely seated Osred on the throne, when this castle became his palace.

In the reign of Egbert. Kenulph. Bishop of Lindisfarne, was confined here thirty years. from 750 to 780 anno 933 it was plundered a nd totally ruined by the Danes; but, being of great importance in defending the northern parts against the continual incursions of the Scots, it was soon afterwards repaired, and rnade a place of considerable strength.

It is said to have been in good repair at the time of the Conquest, when it was probably put into the custody of some trusty Norman, and in all likelihood some additions made to its works; and this is more probable, as the present area contained within its walls measures upwards of eighty acres, instead of three, as when described by Hoveden.

About the year 1095 it was in the possession of Robert de Mowbray, Earl of Northumberland. who engaging in some treasonable practices against William Rufus, that king laid siege to it. Mowbray, not thinking himself safe, fled to Tinemouth, leaving the defense of the castle to his stewards and kinsman Morel, who made so vigorous a resistance that the king, despairing to take it by force, formed a blackade, by building a strong fort near it called Malvoisin, or the Bad Neighbor. At length, the kings patience being worn out by the obstinate defense made by Morel, he caused the earl, who had been taken at Tinemouth, to be led close to the walls of the castle and proclamation to be made that, unless it were immediately surrendered, his eyes would be put out.

This threat had the desired effect. To save his master, Morel surrendered upon terms and to the honor of Rufus it is to be added that, in consideration of the gallant defense made by him, and his

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