Norham Castle was originally built by the Bishops of Durham in the 12th century at 'the most dangerous place in England.' It was so-called due to its location overlooking a strategic crossing point of the River Tweed on the border between England and Scotland. During the turbulent medieval period the Scots besieged it nine times. They captured it four times and were repelled on five other occasions. With the cessation of hostilities in the late 16th century it was allowed to fall into ruin.