A Brief History of Hylton Castle
Around about 1390 to 1400, Sir William Hilton, Baron of Hylton built Hylton Caste as a gatehouse-style fortified manor house. Although there are no construction records surviving, the style of the architecture and coat of arms on the west front wall mean that it dates to the 1390s or first decade of the 1400s. Other buildings may have existed on the site at this time as the inventory taken on Sir William's death in 1435 mentions a hall, four chambers, two barns, a kitchen and the chapel, in addition to the castle.
The Castle
Inventories of the Hylton estate show that few alterations were made to the castle until the 16th century, when floors and galleries were inserted in the Great Hall. Then, early in the 18th century, Baron John Hylton made the first major alterations. He completely redesigned the interior and inesrted large windows in the fashionable Italianate style. Outside, he added a north wing to the castle.
His son, also John, made even greater alterations. He built a south wing and added crenellations (battlements) to both wings. He also replaced the original circular turret on the north end of the west front with an octagonal turret, and restored the main central entrance. When John died in 1746, the Hyltons sold the castle, as there was no male heir to inherit it. Successive owners failed to maintain it, then in 1863 it was bought by William Briggs. He knocked down the north and south wings, gutted the interior and added new windows. However, the castle soon fell into disrepair again.
In 1950, due to local pressure, the castle was taken into the care of the State. The decay of the 19th century alterations was so advanced that it was decided to consolidate it as a stripped shell, to show all the remaining medieval masonry. The castle is now a listed building, and together with the chapel forms a Scheduled Ancient Monument, under the guardianship of English Heritage.
St. Catherine' Chapel
A chapel dedicated to St. Catherine is known to have existed on the site since 1157, when it was likely that Hylton Castle was a wooden building. Nothing remains of the first chapel and the ruins seen today date from the early 15th century. The building was modified during the period from the late 15th to late 16th century, when a window and transepts were added. However, an engraving by Buck in 1728 shows that the chapel had gone out of use by that time, as it had no roof. Although repairs were carried out by the last Baron Hylton, and by its owners in the 19th century, the chapel also fell into disrepair and it too later became the responsibility of the State.
The Dene
Hylton Dene, the parkland around Hylton Castle, was transformed in the 1990s into a semi-natural site where both wildlife and people can enjoy the surroundings. The Dene covers an area of 200 acres and has Local Nature Reserve status. It has a variety of lowland habitats including woodland, scrubland, wetland and grassland and is home to many species of animals and birds. Its importance is signified by the designation of four Sites of Nature Conservation Importance and one Site of Special Scientific Interest within its boundaries.
The "Cauld Lad of Hylton"
Every self-respecting castle has its ghost and Hylton Castle is no exception. The ghost is normally associated with a murder that took place in 1609. Lord Robert Hylton had ordered his horse to be made ready for an important journey, and when it had not been brought to him after one hour, he went to the stables to find out why. He found the stable boy, Roger Skelton, asleep and, in his anger, is said to have drawn his sword and decapitated him. He tried to hide the body, but it was later discovered and the baron was tried for murder. He was acquitted, and so the spirit of the dead boy came back to haunt him.
Another story associated with the ghost is that of a poltergeist who liked to tidy the castle kitchen if left in a mess, but would make it untidy if it was left clean. The servants grew tired of his pranks and left out clothes for him, which was the way to banish ghosts. On taking them he disappeared from the castle saying "Here's a cloak, and here's a hood. The Cauld Lad o' Hylton will do na' mair good." However, his ghostly voice continued to be heard long afterwards.
The term "cauld" is likely to be a derivative of the local word "cowed," which means a steer that has had its horns cut off. When used to describe humans, the same term means "headless."
For further information and photos of the castle, the coat of arms, and the Hylton/Hilton family around this period, go visit the page of Sir William Hilton, Baron of Hylton.
This short history was found at the City of Sunderland, Local Studies Centre. The Friends of Hylton Dene provide more information on the castle and Dene, and events there; they can be contacted by e-mail: local.studies@sunderland.gov.uk.