Barnard Castle was a Norman earth ringwork fortress, founded by Guy de Baliol. Built against the steep banks of the River Tees, the massive 12th century stone castle, was founded by Bernard de Baliol. This complex site, is divided into four walled and ditched baileys, with the original main gate in the privately owned Outer Ward. You enter the Town Ward, through the north gatehouse and then into the Middle Ward, over a wide ditch, which was once wet. In the Inner Ward, is the Round Tower, which stands on the foundations of an earlier square keep. Protected by the Great Ditch, it was the original ringwork and has an impressive range of lodgings. In the 1630s, Sir Henry Vane removed materials to make extensive improvements at nearby Raby Castle. 5 miles south-west is Bowes Castle and 14 miles south-east is Richmond Castle.