11/08/2025
A County Durham Flag presented by the recumbent effigy of knight Thomas De Blenkinsopp (died 1388) in sanctuary at the Church of the Holy Cross in Haltwhistle, Northumberland.
Sir Thomas de Blenkinsop was christened on 21 December 1301, in St John, Newcastle upon Tyne, Northumberland, as the son of John Blenkinsop and Mary Elliott Blenkinsop. He died in 1388, in Haltwhistle, Northumberland, at the age of 87, and was buried in Haltwhistle.
Documentation has shown that Thomas de Blenkinsop (also known as Blencansopp) fortified an existing Manor House some 3 miles from Haltwhistle.
Blenkinsopp Castle was originally a 13th century medieval fortified manor house, founded by Randolph de Blencansopp. In 1349, Thomas de Blencansopp founded the stone castle, when he was granted licences to crenellate (provide a wall of a building with battlements). Built within the outer ditch to his fortilicium, was a large L-plan tower house, with vaulted basements and a walled barmkin. In the late 19th century, the castle was incorporated in a Victorian Gothic mansion, founded by Lord Joicey of Etal but sadly it was destroyed by a great fire in 1954.
Many thanks to the not quite Fab 4 of John, Paul, Harry and Jim for another interesting posting. Much appreciated folks.
