Bamburgh is a natural fortress and was the chief town in the region untill Norman times. The majestic castle has stood high on a crag overlooking the sea since the 11th century. Last besieged in 1464, it was declared by Henry VI during the Wars of the Roses as his royal capital. It was restored in the 19th to 20th centuries by the first Lord Armstrong and is open daily, April to November (afternoons only). Bamburgh is signposted from the A1 road.