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The collection consists mainly of cannon shot and projectiles, which reflect the castle’s key role controlling a major crossing point of the river Tweed on the English–Scottish border. There is evidence from several sieges, including cannon balls fired in 1497 from the Scottish bombard cannon Mons Meg.
There is also Romanesque sculpture from the first, post-Conquest castle, as well as an important collection of horse equipment, and items related to literacy and daily life in the castle.
The ruins of Norham Castle were placed into the care of the Office of Works in 1923. The clearance work that followed between 1923 and 1926, to facilitate consolidation of the monument and provide public access, yielded the finds that form the majority of the English Heritage collection, including all the objects below. Earlier discoveries by local antiquarians, which provide evidence for Anglian and prehistoric occupation, are held in private ownership or by other museums.
Capital
Capital
Date: 1130–70
Material: Stone
This capital – the head of a column – comes from an arch, probably a window or doorway. Its scalloped form is early to mid-Romanesque, and it comes from the two-storey hall built by Ranulph Flambard, Bishop of Durham, the castle’s founder. Building of the hall began sometime after 1121. The hall was replaced between 1157 and 1170 when Bishop Puiset built Norham’s great tower on its site.
Spur
Spur
Date: 14th century
Material: Iron
A spur is fixed to the heel of a rider and used to direct the horse and encourage it forwards. This iron rowel spur – a spur with a rotating, toothed wheel or disk attached – is largely complete. It still has its hook and strap-end attachments for the spur leathers.
Rowel spurs were first introduced in the 13th century, and eventually replaced earlier prick spurs. The rowel of this spur originally had 12 points, considered less severe for the horse than those with five to six larger teeth.
Inkwell
Inkwell
Date: Late medieval to early 16th century
Material: Ceramic
This small columnar inkwell is glazed around the rim, and probably had a cork stopper. A near-identical example found at Roche Abbey (South Yorkshire) was probably made by the same potter.
Many members of the senior and middle-ranking household staff of the castle would have been literate, so any of them could have used this inkwell.
Candlestick
Candlestick
Date: 15th to 17th century
Material: Copper alloy
This decorative repoussé (beaten) copper alloy base appears to have been part of a candlestick dating to the 15th to 17th century. Candlestick bases from this period were made separately from the candle holder (stem). Candlesticks, which would have held candles made from tallow or wax, were managed throughout the castle by the chandler.
Chain
Chain
Date: Medieval or early post-medieval
Material: Iron
Place Made/Found: Outer moat
The exact use of this section of twisted bar and link chain, with attached swivel loop fitting, is uncertain, as no exact parallels exist. It is most likely associated with harnessing animals. It may be part of a horse harness, but seems more likely to be part of a dog collar or perhaps even a bear muzzle.
Cannon ball
Cannon ball
Date: about 1497
Material: Stone
This stone cannon ball is 43 centimetres (17in) in diameter and weighs around 150 kilograms (330lb). It is one of several found at Norham. Their size leaves little doubt that they were intended for use with the Mons Meg bombard cannon, but were never fired. Mons Meg was brought to Norham by King James IV of Scotland (reigned 1488–1513) during his siege of the castle in 1497.
Projectile
Projectile
Date: Late medieval
Material: Stone
Place Made/Found: Outer moat
This stone projectile has been roughly cut from a 13th-century grave slab – details of the original decorated cross-head are visible on the upper surface. The slab was probably removed from St Cuthbert’s Church in Norham, perhaps during a siege, when stone for projectiles would have been in high demand. It is likely to have been used with a trebuchet.
Cannon ball
Cannon ball
Date: 15th to 17th century
Material: Lead and iron
Place Made/Found: Internal face of the southern outer curtain wall, near the stable
This small lead cannon ball, 5 centimetres (2in) in diameter, has cracked after being fired, exposing its iron cube core. Its small diameter suggests it was probably used with a Falconet cannon, a small portable gun used between the 15th and 17th centuries.
The fact that the cannon ball was found against the inner face of the outer curtain wall suggests that it may have been used to defend the castle rather than to besiege it.
Cannon ball
Cannon ball
Date: 15th to 17th century
Material: Lead
The size of this small, unfired lead cannon ball, 4 centimetres (1.5in) in diameter, suggests it was used with a hand cannon. The location where one such ball was found at Norham – against the inner face of the outer curtain wall – suggests they may have been used to defend the castle rather than to besiege it.
On this example the casting seam and remains of the casting sprig are visible. The casting seam is the dark, almost vertical line to the right, and the casting sprig is at the top.
Dress lifter
Dress lifter
Date: about 1840–99
Material: Copper alloy
Place Made/Found: Internal face of the southern outer curtain wall, near the stable
This dress lifter was used with long-train dresses towards the second half of the 19th century. Used in pairs, suspended on cord and attached to the hem, these devices stopped the skirt from getting muddy, and partially exposed decorative petticoats. During the 19th century, ruined castles like Norham were popular venues for the wealthy to promenade around.
