It lies within the historic boundaries of the North Riding of Yorkshire, but along with the rest of the former Startforth Rural District it was transferred to County Durham for administrative and ceremonial purposes on 1 April 1974, under the provisions of the Local Government Act 1972.

Scargill is a dispersed settlement consisting of a number of farms scattered over a wide area.

Only small fragments of the walls of this early building remain surrounded by extensive earthworks, all of which are scheduled as an ancient monument.

The castle was rebuilt in the early 16th century and the gatehouse of this building still stands (Grade II* listed).

In 2008 Channel 4's Time Team investigated the restored remains of Scargill Castle, discovered a variety of medieval and Tudor buildings.