Codger’s Fort: An Unplanned Find Above Rothley

Every so often, a drive through Northumberland turns into an unexpected adventure — and Codger’s Fort is exactly that kind of discovery. Perched on a rocky outcrop above the Simonside Hills, the ruin looks ancient at first glance: weathered stone, turrets half-fallen, and commanding views over the Coquet Valley. But it’s not quite what it seems.

Built around 1760 by Sir Walter Blackett of Wallington Hall, Codger’s Fort was designed purely for effect — a romantic folly meant to resemble a crumbling medieval fortress. These “sham castles” were all the rage among the wealthy of the Georgian era, who enjoyed placing such ruins on their estates to spark curiosity or admiration from visitors. Over time, the structure became part of local folklore, its name supposedly inspired by locals affectionately mocking its ageing builder — “the old codger’s fort.”

When I stumbled across it, the autumn colours framed it perfectly: fiery trees, grey skies, and a moody northern light that made the stone glow. The drone revealed its symmetry and solitude, standing defiant against the wind. It might not have defended anything real, but it’s defended its charm for over 250 years — and that’s something worth admiring.