aerial photograph of Hylton Castle Sunderland Tyne and Wear England UK. Hylton Castle was originally a timber castle constructed shortly after the Norman Conquest at the end of the 11th century. This was replaced by a stone castle during the 14th and 15th centuries. The castle was more of a defended manor house than a true castle and in the 18th century it was further modified to provide comfortable living. By the end of the 18th century the castles condition had somewhat deteriorated and by 1840 it was being used as a school. At the end of the 19th century the castle was bought and renovated by a local businessman. In 19078 it became the property of the Wearmouth Coal Company, later National Coal Board, however they didn't take good care of it so that by 1950 it was in a dilapidated state and taken over by the Ministry of works in order to protect what remains. It is now cared for by English Heritage.