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Brough Castle
Travel Information and nearby accommodation
Brough Castle was built around the year 1100 on a hill overlooking the Stainmore Pass and the valley of Swindale Beck. The strategic importance of this site was recognized by the Romans, and the castle is partly built on a Roman fort. The Norman builders of the castle recut a Roman ditch to create a moart around their new castle.
The most imposing part of the structure is the stone keep, which dates to about 1300. That was built by Robert Clifford, and it was Clifford's grandson Roger who built the hall and main living quarters around 1360.
The castle was enlarged on several occasions over the centuries, with additions of more and more comfortable living quarters.
Brough Castle was attacked by Scots raiding parties on several occasions, notably in 1174, but the greatest damage done to the castle was not from an attack, but from a fire that started following a great banquet in 1521. That fire left the castle in a ruinous state until it was restored by Lady Anne Clifford in the mid 17th century. After Lady Anne's death the castle fell into desrepair, and the many of the stones were taken for other local building projects.
Today, the castle is an imposing ruin, with walls standing to a good height in several locations around the perimeter of a courtyard. At the west end of the site the large tower still stands. In the courtyard within the castle walls the foundations of domestic buildings are easily seen. The views are excellent from this hilltop site, and it is easy to see why the Normans (and the Romans) chose this location.
Note: Despite what the English Heritage website says, Brough Castle is an open access site (at least it was when we visited in September 2009). There are no charges or official opening times.
Church Brough,
Cumbria,
England
About Brough Castle
Attraction Type: Castle
Location: The best access is off the A685, turn into Church Brough, and follow the brown sign for the castle to the parking area in the centre of Church Brough. From there, follow the signed footpath a short distance to the castle, located behind the ice cream dair
Location
map
Brough Castle Photos
OS NY791141
Heritage Highlight: 13th century tower
Heritage Rating:  ?
Photos of Brough Castle
Brough Castle |
Castle Tower |
Castle entrance |
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Nearest Accommodation to Brough Castle
Nearest Self Catering Cottages |
 Blandswath Cottage -
2
miles from Brough Castle
Kirkby Stephen, Cumbria
Sleeps: 6
Stay from: £290 |
 Low Mill -
2.8
miles from Brough Castle
Kirky Stephen, Cumbria
Sleeps: 5
Stay from: £300 |
 North Road -
2.9
miles from Brough Castle
Kirkby Stephen, Cumbria
Sleeps: 5
Stay from: £190 |
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Nearest Tourist
Information Centre
Kirkby Stephen
Tourist Information Centre
Market Street
Kirkby Stephen
Cumbria
England
CA17 4QN
Tel: 017683 71199
Fax: 017683 72728
Email: ks.tic@eden.gov.uk
Seasonal opening
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