Stanhope Castle

Stanhope is the site of a motte and bailey castle, of which no remains are now visible. A fragment of the motte may have survived until the turn of the 20th century.

In Nov 1797 Cuthbert Rippon of London acquired the two parcels of the Castle Heugh and started to rebuild the house with the local architect Ignatius Bonomi of Durham (1787-1870). The house was referred to as Stanhope Castle. The castle then consisted of a four cornered building, two stories high with semi-circular projections at each end and embattled walls. A conservatory was added later leading to a high square tower with large windows. Ignatius was prolific, and was the most important architect to practice in 19th century Durham.

In 1813 he was appointed County Bridge Surveyor for the Co of Durham. He helped to design numerous bridges, at Frosterley, Shincliffe and the railway bridge at Skerne. His most important buildings include Burn Hall, Egglestone Hall, Lambton Castle, Stanhope Rectory, the female prisoner 'E' wing at Durham prison, and he restored the Norman style windows in Durham Cathedral.

However, due to financial problems the Rippon family advertised the castle as for sale or to let.

In 1941 the castle was adapted by the Home Office as a School for Boys. The castle remained a school until 1980, where it was made into private apartments. It was made a listed building in 1798 and remains a Grade 2* listed building today. It is now being regenerated to its former glory by Arrandene Ltd in 2012.

The grounds to the castle are extensive, including a beautiful lawn to the front of the house, and side elevation, and beautiful woodland pathways lead to the river. Along the banks of the river are Lime trees which lead down to the famous ford, which is now closed, and the famous stepping stones