Penrith Castle

Penrith Castle has an intriguing heritage. It was built by Ralph Neville (1364-1425), 1st Earl of Westmorland, possibly on the site of a Roman fort. Neville was granted the manor of Penrith in 1396 and, as warden of the West March, he was responsible for the defence of this area against the Scots. The castle was built shortly after Neville’s appointment; his son, Richard, 5th Earl of Salisbury (1400–60), made it his headquarters, probably building the so-called ‘Red Tower’, the remains of which dominate the ruins today, as well as improving the entrance defences. After the death of Richard Neville (‘the Kingmaker’), 16th Earl of Warwick and 6th Earl of Salisbury, at the Battle of Barnet in 1471, the castle came into the hands of Richard, Duke of Gloucester (1452–85), later King Richard III. Richard was Sheriff of Cumberland and resided at the castle from time to time. He improved the residential wing, adding large windows and other luxuries. By the mid-16th century, the castle was partially decayed, though it was used briefly during the Civil War in 1648 as headquarters of the Parliamentary General John Lambert. Afterwards, it fell into further disrepair. Its substaintial ruins will be found opposite Penrith Railway Station, in Castle Park, with a bowling green and tennis courts nearby.