Bowes Castle was originally a Norman earth and timber ringwork and bailey fortress, founded by Alan, count of Brittany. Built within the Roman fort of Lavatrae and divided into two baileys by a wide L-shaped ditch, it guards the Stainmore pass. In the 12th century, King Henry II founded the stone keep and bailey castle, when adding a formidable rectangular three storey hall-keep and forebuilding. Originality the church of St Giles, stood within the inner bailey and the layout of the outer bailey, is shown by the remains of its Roman ditch. 5 miles north-east is Barnard Castle and 14 miles west is Brough Castle.