In northeast England set in the rolling countryside of the Tees valley, just to the west of Darlington and close to the A1(M) in County Durham, lies the village of Walworth which has its own castle. The name Walworth is derived from an Anglo-Saxon name ‘Waleberge’, meaning a settlement of the Welsh, or Old English people driven westward due to Anglo-Saxon settlement. Folklore says that Malcom, King of Scotland, wasted the village on his march down the river Tees. The Hansard family built Walworth Castle, its estate and village in 1189 AD. Their ancient estate of about 1100 acres is one of the townships of the parish of Heighington, whose village is about 2 miles north of Walworth Castle. In 1349, the Black Death killed almost half of the population of England, the administration of the bishopric fell apart and recovery was hindered by successive waves of the plague and ubiquitous Scottish raids. After the Black Death, Ralph Neville acquired the manor of Walworth until 1391, when the ninth Lord of the Manor, on behalf of his 14-year-old son Richard, reclaimed it. It remained in the hands of the Hansard family until 1539 when it passed through marriage, into the hands of the Ayscough and then Jenison families until 1739 when a merchant from Newcastle bought it. It passed into the hands of Darlington council after the Second World War and the castle was eventually sold in 1981, extensively refurbished and is now one of the few castle hotels in England.
Attraction
Places to Stay near Walworth
Walworth Castle Hotel (0.23 miles)
One of the country’s finest historic hotels, parts of which date back to the 12th century, Best Western Walworth Castle is set in 18 acres of grounds only 3 miles from Darlington. This independently owned ... More | visit website
Redworth Hall Hotel (2.29 miles)
A beautiful Elizabethan hotel standing in 150 acres of peaceful woodland in County Durham.
Barceló Redworth Hall Hotel successfully combines traditional elegance with contemporary style. The grand Jacobean manor house has many ... More
The George Hotel (2.56 miles)
Situated on the banks of the River Tees, The George hotel is much more than a coaching inn. Behind its traditional facade, the George has a wonderful Ball room, recently renovated, a restaurant overlooking the ... More | visit website
Luxury Darlington Apartments (3.28 miles)
"Sleep with us tonight" represents the chance of staying in an exclusive high quality development of apartments and mews houses in the picturesque village of Cockerton, a long established and ... More
Aston Hotel (3.35 miles)
An excellent friendly hotel, situated within easy reach of the historic city of Durham, the North Yorkshire Moors, Beamish Open Air Museum and the largest shopping centre in Europe.
Free Wi-Fi is ... More
Hall Garth Golf & Country Club (3.65 miles)
Darlington Hotel, Hall Garth is a stunning period property is set within 70 acres of its own parkland, in the attractive market town of Darlington. It has its own 9 ... More
Railway House (3.93 miles)
Headlam Hall Hotel (3.94 miles)
A secluded rural retreat, this Jacobean country house hotel with luxury spa and golf course is situated 10 minutes' drive from the A1. The hotel is located in 4 acres of beautiful ... More | visit website
The Harrowgate Hill Lodge (3.95 miles)
On the outskirts of Darlington, this charming establishment offers comfortable, well equipped accommodation, convenience and simplicity, all at great value-rates. The hotel is well situated, neighbouring the North Yorkshire Moors and Dales, ... More
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