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THIS week sees the launch of Otterburn Castle, a splendid, Grade II-listed historic landmark sitting in 32 acres within the Northumberland National Park at the heart of the Redesdale Valley. The origins of Otterburn can be traced back to 1076 when William the Conqueror, having enjoyed a full decade of life on these shores, gave the land to his cousin, Robert d’Umfraville in recognition of his services. He instructed Robert to hold the land and ‘keep it free from wolves and enemies’.
A survey commissioned in 1308 shows evidence of a peel tower that was built on the site, together with a park stocked with ‘wild beasts’; some 80 years later, the English army suffered a bloody defeat during the