Bernard's Castle, which gave birth to the town of Barnard
Castle and provided its name, stands in ruins amid its numerous
progeny.
Gone is the pomp and the clatter of arms of long ago,
the noise of modern traffic fills the streets outside the walls but
deep silence reigns within.
The ruined towers still stand high on
the crags above the swiftly flowing Tees and remind us of the
pageant of time when, behind the encircling walls nobles nursed
ambitions of royal sovereignty, or garrisons awaited
anxiously their relief by slow-moving men-at-arms.
Much that gives colour to the history of Britain had its germ
within the castle's now crumbling walls. How often have the
banners of the proud Baliols, founders of the fortress, left its
gates leading the men of the town and district to bloody battle.
But not for battle alone are the Baliols remembered: they were
large-hearted too. Baliol College, Oxford, takes its name from
John Baliol who first provided endowments in the 13th century
and stimulated that thirst for knowledge which is still unquenched.
Devorguila, his wife, arranged for its secure establishment after
his death and also provided one of those touching episodes which
give warmth to history.
In devotion to her husbands memory she
built Sweetheart Abbey, near Dumfries, and, when she died, was
buried there with her husband's heart which she had kept in an
ivory casket beside her throughout her widowhood.
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