Prudhoe Castle is possibly a late 11th or early 12th century earth and timber ringwork fortress, founded by Robert de Umfraville. Commanding the end of a ridge with a steep slope to the north, the castle is isolated by a massive outer ditch, an outer bailey and an inner ditch. In the early to mid 12th century, the inner timber defences were replaced by a stone curtain wall, flanked by a single storey rectangular gatehouse. The castle is in the shape of a figure of eight and the freestanding two storey mid to late 12th century keep with its forebuilding, stands in the middle of the inner and outer baileys. In the 13th century, the curtain wall was flanked by round and square towers and a chapel, with 'the wardrobe' above was added, giving height to the gatehouse. Projecting to the fore, is a very long 14th century barbican, which was once divided by a drawbridge over the inner ditch. A further storey with turrets was added to the small square keep in the 14th or 15th century and now the ruined keep and forebuilding are linked to a two storey Georgian manor house of 1808. On the right at the end of the barbican, are the remains of the castle mill and on the left is the pond which fed it. 3 miles north-west near Horsley is Lonkins Hall and 5 miles east is Ryton Motte.