The Keep

The Keep is a castle built between 1168 and 1178, with a roof and battlements added around 1811 by Newcastle Corporation. It was restored around 1848 for the Society of Antiquaries of Newcastle. The structure is made of sandstone with ashlar dressings and features a square tower with three floors. The principal entrance is an external stair on the east side that leads to a moulded arch of the Great Hall. The ground floor includes a 'garrison room' with a central column supporting eight ribs, and a chapel beneath the external stair with chevron-moulded ribs and arches. On the first floor, there is a 'Queen's Chamber' opening from the north side of the main room, and a 'King's Chamber' opening from the south side of the Great Hall. A spiral stair is located in the south-east corner. The Keep is also a scheduled ancient monument.