Brougham Castle is located just 2 miles to the south east of Penrith in a picturesque setting close to the river Eamont. It dates from the early 13th century. The photo shows the Great Keep which affotds magnificent views of the Eden valley.
The castle was a residence of some note – so much so that Edward I visited in 1300. It also provided resistance to invasion from the north. However in 1388 the castle was captured and sacked and by 1592 it had fallen into disrepair. However some restoration was done and once again royalty visited – James I of England in 1617.
Following this Lady Anne Clifford continued the restoration work – but after she died in 1676 the state of the castle again declined and it became a ruin. It was taken into the care of the then Ministry of Works in the 1930’s – now English Heritage.
It has featured in a painting by J. M. W. Turner, and was mentioned by William Wordsworth in his poem “The Prelude”. In addition it was the subject of a poem by Wordsworth.
It is a delightful place to explore – perhaps taking a picnic to sit by the river – especially on August Bank Holiday Monday which is always a very busy day in the Lake District!
