"A triangular-shaped fortification with steep slopes to east and south. Originally a largely earth and timber castle of the 11th century, refortified in stone in the 12th and 13th centuries. The keep, south postern and remains of the north gate represent the first phase of this refortification; with phase 2, perhaps in the early 13th century, represented by stretches of curtain wall on the south side and at the north end. In the mid-13th century the north entrance was strengthened by the addition of the Black Gate. The castle hall against the east curtain wall probably also dated from this period. Today there are no visible remains of the west curtain wall (under the road), or of the east curtain wall south of the railway and the half moon battery (both beneath County Hall and the Moot Hall). SCHEDULED ANCIENT MONUMENT AND LISTED GRADE 1. In 1305 William Wallace was executed in London and his body parts put on display in various towns across England. His right arm was displayed on the bridge at Newcastle and a number of internal organs on the walls of the Keep. In 1323 Andrew de Harcla, first Earl of Carlisle was executed for treason and one of his quarters placed on the castle walls. In 1415 a quarter of Harry Hotspur was placed there after his execution for the Percy family's part in the rebellion against Henry IV. On 7 December 1733 a local showman claimed that he would fly from the top of the Keep. In the end he lost his nerve and instead he pushed his donkey off the edge wearing his 'wings'. The donkey survived the 100 feet fall because it landed on an onlooker {Kirkup 2009}" - twsitelines