Name: Brough Castle
Rating: 5.0

Brough Castle

Church Brough, Kirkby Stephen, UK

1-99 Years

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Description

Brough Castle, the starkly impressive Brough Castle stands on a ridge commanding the strategic Stainmore Pass, on the site of a Roman fort. Frequently the target of Scots raids, its towering keep dates from about 1200. More comfortable living quarters were later added by the Clifford family, only to be accidentally burnt following a 'great Christmas party' in 1521.

Like so many other castles in the region, Brough was restored in the 17th century by Lady Anne Clifford, traces of whose additions can still be seen. St Michael's Parish Church, in pretty Church Brough near the castle, displays an exhibition about the region.

Free Entry. If you are looking for Best place for day out with kids and families then this is the perfect destination offering fun, adventure, and unforgettable memories for everyone.

Features

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Host birthday parties: No

Features

Brough Castle, at the upper end of the Eden Valley, is a spectacular medieval ruin on the site of the Roman fort of Verteris. The earthworks represent an 11th-century castle, but the visible remains date from the 12th century onwards. The castle was a seat of the celebrated Clifford family for 450 years, and enjoyed a last lease of life in the 17th century thanks to the work of Lady Anne Clifford.
The Roman Fort: Built in about AD 79–80, Verteris was one of a chain of Roman forts guarding the strategically important road from York (Eboracum) to Carlisle (Luguvalium). Excavations in 1953 indicated that the fort had substantial stone buildings and defences, with the capacity to house a battalion of up to about 500 men.
The First Castle: Until 1092 Cumberland and northern Westmorland were part of the kingdom of Scotland. In that year the English king, William II (William Rufus; reigned 1087–1100), marched north, took Carlisle and annexed the counties to England.
Scots Attacks: In the 12th century Brough and Appleby were the two principal castles of the lordship of Westmorland, but Henry II (r.1154–89) deprived its holder, Hugh de Morville, of his estates for supporting the king’s sons in the rebellion of 1173.
The Vieuxponts: Robert de Vieuxpont served King John loyally through his many crises, which earned him inclusion in a list of the king’s ‘evil counsellors’.[8] He became the most powerful figure in north-west England.
The House of Clifford: Roger Clifford probably came into possession of Brougham and Brough castles on his marriage to Isabella. He may have carried out important works at Brough shortly after, which included adding the circular Clifford’s Tower at the south-east corner.[11] He may also have made substantial repairs to the curtain walls.
The Later Middle Ages: Robert’s grandson Roger Clifford (d.1389) completely altered the layout of the living quarters in the 14th century. He was the last Lord Clifford to die of natural causes for several generations.
Lady Anne Clifford: Had it not been for the intervention of Lady Anne Clifford (1590–1676), the story of Brough might have ended there. On his death in 1605 her father, George Clifford, 3rd Earl of Cumberland, bequeathed the family estates to his brother, Francis, the 4th Earl. She fought protracted legal battles against her uncle and his son, Henry, the 5th Earl, in defence of her right to inherit. Henry died in 1643, when at long last the Clifford inheritance largely passed into her hands.

Facilities

Parking: There is limited space for parking near the castle in the village - please do not park at Brough Castle Farm. The entrance is via a kissing gate.
Food & Drinks: Brough Castle Ice Cream Parlour and Tearoom is immediately adjacent to the site, and is not managed by English Heritage. Our nearby site Brougham Castle has hot and cold drinks and snacks.
Toilets: Brough Castle Ice Cream Parlour and Tearoom is immediately adjacent to the site, and is not managed by English Heritage. Our nearby site Brougham Castle has toilet facilities.

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Price

Price: Paid

Price Details

Free Entry.

Pricing URL: https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/brough-castle/opening-times/

Birthday Parties

Offer Birthday Parties: No

Open daily.

Address: Church Brough, Kirkby Stephen, UK

Post Code: CA17 4EJ

Council: Westmorland and Furn

County: Cumbria

Road Access: 8 miles south-east of Appleby, south of A66.
Bus Access: Classic service 352; Grand Prix service 563, 564; Cumbria Classic Bus 572 (Wed)
Train Access: Kirkby Stephen 10 miles.
Bicycle Access: Find this site on The National Cycle Network.
Parking: There is limited space for parking near the castle in the village - please do not park at Brough Castle Farm. The entrance is via a kissing gate.