Lamerside Castle:
Lamerside Castle is a ruined medieval castle near the village of Nateby in Cumbria, England. It is situated on a hilltop overlooking the River Eden, and is thought to have been built in the 12th century. The castle was rebuilt and strengthened in the 14th century as a Pele tower, to provide protection against Scots raiders.
Lamerside Castle is in a very ruined state, but it is still possible to see the remains of the tower and the enclosing barmkin wall. The tower is constructed of coursed, squared rubble, and measures 14m by 11m. It has a barrel-vaulted ground floor, and survives to two storeys high.
The castle was occupied by a branch of the Wharton family but is thought to have been abandoned in the 17th century, when the family moved to the fortified manor house, Wharton Hall, near Kirkby Stephen.
Lamerside Castle is a popular destination for walkers and hikers and is also of interest to historians and archaeologists. It is a Scheduled Ancient Monument and is protected by law.
History of Lamerside Castle
The early history of Lamerside Castle is somewhat obscure, but it is thought to have been built in the 12th century by the Warcop family. The Warcops were loyal to Richard III and were driven out of the castle by the Cliffords and Whartons when the Lancastrians came to the throne.
The castle was rebuilt and strengthened in the 14th century by the Wharton family. The Whartons were a powerful family in Cumbria, and Lamerside Castle was one of their many properties.
The castle was abandoned in the 17th century, when the Whartons moved to the more comfortable and secure Wharton Hall. Lamerside Castle has been in ruins ever since.
Visiting Lamerside Castle
Lamerside Castle is located on a bridle path between Pendragon Castle and Wharton Hall. It is accessible to the public, but there are no visitor facilities at the site.
The castle is in a very ruined state, but it is still possible to see the remains of the tower and the enclosing barmkin wall. The tower is the best-preserved part of the castle, and it is possible to climb to the top for views of the surrounding countryside.
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