Kendal Castle and associated earthworks, and earlier ringwork

Scheduled area

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History & significance

Kendal Castle is a Norman motte-and-bailey fortification situated on a prominent hilltop overlooking the town of Kendal in Westmorland. The castle was founded in the late 12th century, likely by members of the Parr family, and consists of a substantial earthen mound with an associated bailey, representing the typical defensive architecture of the Norman period. The site may preserve evidence of an earlier ringwork beneath or adjacent to the later motte-and-bailey structure, suggesting multiple phases of fortification on this strategically important location. Today the monument survives primarily as earthworks, with the mound and defensive ditches remaining clearly visible, though above-ground stone structures have not survived to any significant height.

Kendal Castle and associated earthworks, and earlier ringwork is a scheduled monument protected by Historic England under reference 1008901. View the official record →

Questions & answers

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