History
Up the shoreline to the north lay the ruins of Dunstanburgh Castle, an Edwardian fort built between 1313 and 1322 by Thomas, 2nd Earl of Lancaster, most likely as a last ditch refuge should the political turmoil in England escalate. It also naturally served as an example of the Earl's affluence, but he likely only saw it the once as he was executed shortly after fleeing the Battle of Boroughbridge in 1322.
The Craster family have owned lands in Craster since around 1278. The Craster pele tower dates back to the mid 14th century, but was enlarged around 1666 with a two storey manor house incorporated to the eastern side of the tower. Later, it was renovated yet again in 1769 into a Georgian mansion. It is now a Grade II* listed building and as striking as ever.
By the 18th and 19th centuries, Craster had established itself as a staple in the kipper industry. In 1890, James William Robson, a member of the Craster family, moved to the area and launched the L. Robson & Sons business, specialising in the traditional methods of curing herrings and oak smoking kippers. L. Robson & Son's is the only smokehouse still remaining and is famous for upholding the traditional methods. It is still ran by the great grandson of James Robson, making him a fourth-generation master of the craft.
