The property switched ownership several times over hundreds of years until the Langley Castle was finally built in 1364.

Shortly before Umfraville was to take possession, the Langley Castle was attacked and severely damaged by a fire in 1405 by the forces of Henry IV in the campaign against the Percys and Archbishop Scrope.

Langley Castle lay destroyed for many years; in 1551 the crown gave full ownership to Thomas Percy, the sixth Earl of Northumberland.

In 1568 Thomas Percy joined the Rising of the North Rebellion, but was captured and killed, so the Langley Castle went back into the hands of the crown.

Edward’s son, Sir Francis Radclyffe, swiftly found the funds to buy the Langley Castle and the rest of his fathers property back.

[3] After Josephine Bates died, in 1932 the building remained empty until it was used as a barracks in the Second World War, following which it was used as a girls' school.

It was built in the middle of the 14th century by Sir Thomas de Lucy as a H plan H-shaped tower of four storeys.

[2] It was originally built in 1350 but after the destructive fire of 1405 it lay in ruins for 500 years until Cadwallader Bates and his wife Josephine restored it in 1914.

This small pele-like structure has the original entrance to the castle connecting to the spiral staircase that leads to each floor.

The Langley Castle also has gigantic boulders that the walls are built on that serve as the foundation making it difficult for attempted break in.

Other additions added by Cadwallader Bates included increasing the size of the windows and putting a door on the south side of the castle.

Another unique feature is the portcullis slot and roof boss near the main entrance on the wall of the east side of the castle.