Dunstanburgh Castle

Dunstanburgh in Northumberland is an imposing and romantic castle perched by the sea. Sadly, it is controlled by the feckless English Heritage (which advertises three different admission prices on its welcome boards, for example). Nevertheless, even that organisation's ineptitude cannot dim the striking grandeur of those forlorn ruins.

It was built in the 1310s by Thomas, Earl of Lancaster, one of my ancestor’s overlords. He fell out with his cousin, King Edward II, and probably regarded Dunstanburgh as a refuge for times of crisis. Such a time came in 1322, but, alas, the good earl was intercepted by Andrew de Harclay and the Battle of Boroughbridge ensued. Thomas was captured and executed, his castle becoming the property of the Crown.

Not all refuges offer real refuge; not all places of safety can actually keep us safe. The only refuge capable of withstanding man’s stupidity, Satan’s spite and God’s righteous wrath, is the Lord Jesus Christ Himself:

Other refuge have I none;

hangs my helpless soul on thee;

leave, ah! leave me not alone,

still support and comfort me.

All my trust on thee is stayed,

all my help from thee I bring;

cover my defenceless head

with the shadow of thy wing

-Charles Wesley, 1740