JANUARY 25, 2026 — In Northumberland, England, a temporary flag designed by artist Barbara Ridley is now flying over Prudhoe Castle, reports the Hexham Courant, marking the realization of a community-led creative initiative titled “Flying the (new) Flag at Prudhoe Castle”.
Ridley, a Lanchester-based artist who was born and raised in Prudhoe, was selected by the Contemporary Art Volunteer Ambassadors to create a visual marker that bridges the town’s ancient history with its contemporary identity, the Northumberland Gazette says.
The textile installation is scheduled to remain atop the 900-year-old fortress until the spring.
“I am really pleased to have been selected to design a new flag for Prudhoe Castle. The castle is such an important heritage site for Prudhoe and Northumberland and having been born and brought up in Prudhoe, the castle was ever present on the horizon, whether I was a visitor, travelling to school, or taking part in Girlguiding activities whose headquarters sit in its shadow,” Ridley said.
“I hope my design reflects and celebrates a modern town with a very special history.”
The introduction of the flag coincides with a period of transition for the historic site, which underwent operational changes and closures starting in April 2025. While the inner sections of the castle remain restricted to pre-booked tours and specific events, officials hope the “bold new flag” will maintain public engagement with the site as they prepare to launch a new series of volunteer-led guided tours later this spring.
Image: Hexham Courant
