Brougham Castle — Attraction in Brougham

Brougham Castle is the extensive ruin of the impressive 13th century castle built initially by Robert de Vieuxpont. The original castle was a sturdy Norman square keep. Over the years, each successive owner has added a new part to the castle, including a large double gatehouse in the early 14th century, a new kitchen, hall and chapel range later that century and a large range along the lowest wall as late as the 17th century. The castle became a key fortification in wars against the Scots. Robert Clifford was killed in the Battle of Bannockburn and his son, Roger, commanded the castle when it fell to the Scottish in 1388. The last major alterations came from Lady Anne Clifford. Lady Anne had four castles in the area, Appleby, Brough, Pendragn and Brougham. As the female heir to the Cliffords, Lady Anne spent many years petitioning the Crown to give her the land and castles after they passed to her uncle as the surviving male heir. Brougham Castle is located near the confluence of the rivers Eamont and Lowther. Also at this site is the Roman fort Brocavum, garrisoned in the 1st century for the expansion of the empire northwards and involved the war against the native Scots. There is little to see of the fort now but a large...

Great castle to visit. It's in ruin, but does display a lot of features which enable you to imagine how it would have looked in the day. Slit openings for defensive bow firing, ledges for flooring, holes in door ways that would have housed great hinges for heavy doors, carved windows frames and ceilings, you can even see the channel and the recess for the main drop gate, and the cavity in which the door would have been raised into. There is an external well in the main grounds, an internal well, and a toilet. Couple of carved facial bricks in the main wall also. The keep is accessible and the upper level gives great views of the river and surrounding areas. The steps are worn and uneven, but can you only imagine the types of shoe that would have trodden on them over the centuries. If you like castles and can visualise and have some imagination....you will love it. Minimum time to have a quick look probably 30 mins, but with a bit of exploring and appreciation for what it is I'd allow 1.5+ hours. We visited with four children under the age of 8. Shop had some fun souvenirs at reasonable prices and there is a...

A very well maintained property by English Heritage. Easily accessible just off the A66 a few miles East of Penrith. The one member of staff at the small entrance/shop was friendly, well turned out and informative. The grounds were well kept and are easy to navigate for all ages. A lovely setting even if the noise from the main road spoils the tranquility a bit. This is more than offset though by the surroundings including a river, open wooded area and rolling fields although these aren't part of the main site they definitely add to the atmosphere. The castle itself is in pretty good order with lots of nooks and crannies to explore. This includes the ability to walk up to the top of the Keep. Worth a short stop if you are in the area although there is no cafe/food to be had they do have a small array of drinks and ice cream. Bring a picnic as there is plenty of seating and tables in the castle itself or your able to sit on many grassed areas in and around the...