Francis Watson-Armstrong, who inherited Bamburgh Castle in Northumberland at age 22, has spoken publicly about the mounting financial difficulties of maintaining the historic venue. In an interview with The Times, he revealed that the castle's upkeep is becoming increasingly burdensome, and that bestselling author Bernard Cornwell also has a familial claim to the property.
Financial pressures and difficult decisions
Watson-Armstrong explained that while the castle has been used in film and television productions, including as a stand-in for a German castle in Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny, he must carefully balance such opportunities against lost visitor revenue. "If we have to close the castle, the fee has to cover the cost of any lost visitor revenue," he said. He noted that business rates are becoming unaffordable and that recent hikes in national insurance cannot be passed on to visitors, forcing the estate to absorb the costs.
Bernard Cornwell's claim
When asked whether Bamburgh Castle inspired The Last Kingdom series, Watson-Armstrong disclosed that the novelist Bernard Cornwell, who was adopted, later discovered through his birth parents that he has a claim to the castle. Watson-Armstrong joked, "If you want to pay the bills, you can have it!" Cornwell's books are set in the area and feature a fictionalized version of the castle.
Upkeep and red tape
Watson-Armstrong expressed his desire to keep the castle in the family and pass it on to his children, but described it as "a constant battle." He highlighted that as a listed building, obtaining consent for urgent repairs can take up to a year. "Some of the red tape we encounter is also bonkers," he said.
Impact of proposed tourist tax
The owner's comments come amid concerns over the Labour government's proposed Overnight Visitor Levy Bill, which would introduce a tourist tax in English towns. Pete Brend, director of Brend Hotels, warned that the levy would be "another nail in the coffin of seaside towns dependent on tourism," leading to higher unemployment. Watson-Armstrong's remarks underscore the broader financial challenges facing heritage tourism venues in the UK.
