Scheduled MonumentsEnglandStrickland's Pele Tower and Penrith Castle

Strickland's Pele Tower and Penrith Castle

England
List entry 1010690
Nation
England
Boundary

Scheduled area

© Mapbox · © OpenStreetMap contributors · Boundary data © Historic England (NHLE)

Overview

History & significance

Penrith Castle is a medieval fortress constructed in the late fourteenth century, likely begun around 1399 by Ralph de Neville, first Earl of Westmorland, as a defensive stronghold against Scottish raids during the prolonged Anglo-Scottish conflict. The castle comprises a substantial keep with four towers at its corners, surrounded by an outer curtain wall with additional towers, of which substantial remains survive today set within earthwork defences. The red sandstone structure exemplifies the military architecture of the period, strategically sited near the town of Penrith in Cumbria to command the approach routes from the north. Though damaged during the English Civil War and subsequently left to decay, the castle's impressive walls and towers remain among the most substantial castle remains in the North West, demonstrating the scale of investment required to fortify the Anglo-Scottish frontier during the medieval period.

Strickland's Pele Tower and Penrith Castle is a scheduled monument protected by Historic England under reference 1010690. View the official record →

About this monument

Questions & answers

What is Strickland's Pele Tower and Penrith Castle?

Penrith Castle is a medieval fortress constructed in the late fourteenth century, likely begun around 1399 by Ralph de Neville, first Earl of Westmorland, as a defensive stronghold against Scottish raids during the prolonged Anglo-Scottish conflict. It is designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument by Historic England (NHLE) under reference 1010690.

Who is responsible for protecting Strickland's Pele Tower and Penrith Castle?

Strickland's Pele Tower and Penrith Castle is a Scheduled Ancient Monument, legally protected by Historic England (NHLE) — the body responsible for designating and safeguarding heritage sites in England. The official designation reference is 1010690.

What other scheduled monuments are near Strickland's Pele Tower and Penrith Castle?

Several scheduled monuments lie within 10 km, including Round cairn on Askham Fell, 335m north of the Cop Stone (8.1 km), Ring cairn on Askham Fell and four adjacent stones (8.1 km), Round cairn on Askham Fell, 270m north of The Cop Stone (8.2 km).

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