Name: Countess Pillar, Brougham
Rating: 5.0

Countess Pillar, Brougham

Lightwater Bridge, Brougham, Penrith CA10 2AB, UK

1-99 Years

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Description

The Countess Pillar is a monument erected in 1656 by Lady Anne Clifford of nearby Brougham Castle, to commemorate her last meeting with her mother in 1616. On the low stone beside it, money was given to the poor on the anniversary of their parting.

One of several sites in the area associated with Lady Anne Clifford, Countess Pillar was erected to mark the final parting of Lady Anne and her mother. Her mother had been Lady Anne's strongest supporter during her battle to overturn her father's will and reclaim her lands.

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

History of Countess Pillar, Brougham: This pillar marks the place where Lady Anne Clifford, Countess of Dorset, bade farewell to her mother, Margaret, on 2 April 1616, at the gateway to Brougham Castle.
Soon afterwards Margaret died and, in her memory, Lady Anne erected this pillar in 1656. She was particularly close to her mother, who was her only support during a long inheritance battle.
Lady Anne was born in 1590 at Skipton Castle and was the only surviving child of George Clifford, 3rd Earl of Cumberland. The family had owned land in Westmorland, now part of Cumbria, since the 13th century, including the nearby castles of Appleby and Brougham (an English Heritage site). When her father died his estate went to her uncle, but Anne believed this land was rightly hers.
Highly intelligent and determined, she refused to compromise over the dispute, which she won in 1643 after 29 years.
The pillar is about 4.3 metres (14 feet) high, and consists of a stone octagonal shaft surmounted by a cube, with a pyramid on top. Sundials are carved on three sides of the cube, while the face visible from the road displays colourful heraldic shields which relate to the Clifford family. Beneath the shields is a curious ornament variously interpreted as a shield and a skull.
The pillar also has an inscription recording the erection of the pillar in 1656, and describing the wishes of Lady Anne for money to be given to the poor of the parish in remembrance of her mother. A flat stone, where these alms were distributed on the anniversary of their final meeting, can be seen nearby.
Several mason’s marks can be seen on the pillar, identifying the stones a particular mason had worked, for correct payment. The left mark belongs to a mason called Jonathon Gledall; the other is unknown.

Facilities

Parking: There is car parking available on the B6262, close to the junction with the A66, with safe access by the footpath.
Food & Drinks: There is a café at Brougham Hall (not managed by English Heritage), drinks and snacks at Brougham Castle.
Toilets: There is a café at Brougham Hall (not managed by English Heritage), and toilet facilities.

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Price

Price: Paid

Price Details

Free Entry.

Pricing URL: https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/countess-pillar-brougham/opening-times/

Birthday Parties

Offer Birthday Parties: No

Open any reasonable time during daylight hours.

Address: Lightwater Bridge, Brougham, Penrith CA10 2AB, UK

Post Code: CA10 2AB

Council: Westmorland and Furn

County: Cumbria

Road Access: 1⁄4 mile east of Brougham. A new access route has also been created which runs from the B6262 (to Brougham) and starts near the junction with the A66.
Bus Access: Stagecoach service 104 and Grand Prix service 563 pass the castle on the A66, but the nearest official stop is at Whinfell Park (about 1 mile east). Fellrunner 132 (Fri only) & 562 (Tue only) serve Brougham village.
Train Access: Penrith 2 1⁄2 miles.
Bicycle Access: Find this site on The National Cycle Network.
Parking: There is car parking available on the B6262, close to the junction with the A66, with safe access by the footpath.