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Penrith Castle

Travel Information and nearby accommodation

A ruined 14th century castle of red sandstone, in the centre of Penrith. The castle was begun in the late 14th century by Ralph Neville, as a defense against Scotish raids. It was later expanded and strengthened by Richard, Duke of Gloucester (later Richard III) who created a sumptuous residence here.

The oldest part of the castle is a 14th century pele, or fortified tower residence, possibly built by William Strickland, Bishop of Carlisle from 1400-1419 (which explains why Penrith Castle is also called Stricklands Tower). In 1397 Bishop Strickland obtained from the king a license to crenellate his pele, and in 1399 he obtained permission to enclose it in a barmkin, or curtain wall.

A short time later Richard III gave the manor of Penrith (and the entire town as well) to Ralph Neville, Earl of Westmorland. It was Neville who added the Red Tower and began converting the castle buildings to stone. When Richard of Gloucester obtained Penrith Castle in 1471 he further enhanced the interior buildings and added a strong northgateway, making the fortress into a royal castle. It did not long maintain its exalted state, however, and by 1565 it was described as a ruin. The castle was dismantled after the Civil War, and Strickland's Tower fell down (bit by bit) between 1739-1778.

The castle is surrounded by a dry moat, added in the late 15th century, measuring 15 metres wide and up to 6 metres deep.

The castle walls stand to their full height in several places, and the castle is set in a public park, with easy access from the centre of Penrith, almost opposite the rail station.
Penrith, Cumbria, England

About Penrith Castle
Attraction Type: Castle
Location: Opposite the rail station
Website: Penrith Castle
English Heritage
Location map
OS NY514298
Heritage Rating:   ?

Nearest attractions Nearest Towns and Villages Nearest accommodation Nearest Tourist Information Centre

OS map Related Information

Nearest Attractions Mayburgh Henge - 0.9 miles (Prehistoric) King Arthur's Round Table - 1.1 miles (Prehistoric) Brougham Castle - 1.6 miles (Castle) Clifton Hall - 2 miles (Historic Property) The Countess Pillar - 2.1 miles (Historic Property) Dalemain - 2.9 miles (Historic House) St Andrews, Dacre - 3.9 miles (Church) Hutton-in-the-Forest - 5 miles (Historic House)

Nearest Towns and Villages Penrith - 0.1 miles away Edenhall - 3.7 miles away Pooley Bridge - 4.3 miles away Great Salkeld - 5.1 miles away Kirkoswald - 7.6 miles away Glenridding - 11.1 miles away Caldbeck - 13.5 miles away Appleby - 14 miles away

Nearest Accommodation to Penrith Castle

Nearest Self Catering Cottages

Broad Ing Cottage - 2.3 miles from Penrith Castle Tirril, Cumbria Sleeps: 6 Stay from: £375

Meadow Cottage - 2.5 miles from Penrith Castle Newton Reigny, Cumbria Sleeps: 4 Stay from: £245

Windale - 4.9 miles from Penrith Castle Great Salkeld, Cumbria Sleeps: 4 Stay from: £365

More Self Catering near Penrith Castle

Nearest Hotels

George Hotel [Lake District Hotels Ltd] - 0.2 miles from Penrith Castle Penrith, Cumbria Stay from: £75.00

North Lakes Hotel and Spa - A Shire Hotel - 0.4 miles from Penrith Castle Penrith, Cumbria Stay from: £70.00

Crosby Bed and Breakfast - 0.5 miles from Penrith Castle Penrith, Cumbria Stay from: £55.00

More Hotels near Penrith Castle

Nearest Bed and Breakfasts

Glendale Guest House - 0.4 miles from Penrith Castle Penrith, Cumbria From: £35.00

Queens Head Inn - 2.1 miles from Penrith Castle Penrith, Cumbria From: £45.00

The Brackenrigg Inn - 5.7 miles from Penrith Castle Penrith, Cumbria From: £38.00

More bed and breakfasts near Penrith Castle

Penrith
Tourist Information Centre
Robinsons School
Middlegate
Penrith
Cumbria
England
CA11 7PT
Tel: 01768 867466
Fax: 01768 891754
Email: pen.tic@eden.gov.uk
Web: http://www.visiteden.co.uk/
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