Berwick Barracks and Fortifications

Just four kilometres south of the Scottish border, Berwick-upon-Tweed is one of the finest surviving fortified towns in Britain. Standing at the mouth of the River Tweed it guarded the river crossing of the main route from London to Edinburgh, its defences kept in readiness for war from medieval times until the 19th century. Repeatedly besieged, raided and surrendered in 300 years of violent dispute between the Scots and the English, it changed hands 13 times. The remains of its medieval castle high above the river, its massive Elizabethan walls and bastions and the 18th-century elegance of Ravensdowne Barracks still dominate and define the town. This new guide contains a full tour and history of the barracks and town's fortifications, with plans, maps and historical images.