A historic castle on the outskirts of Penrith
Brougham Castle stands where the rivers Eamont and the Lowther meet, guarding this strategic river crossing.
A formidable barrier against Scots invaders, Brougham Castle was founded in the early 13th century by King John’s agent, Robert de Vieuxpont.
This site is steeped in history and our story starts not with the castle, but with the remains of a Roman fort ‘Brocavum’. Constructed in 76 AD, was one of numerous forts built along what was then a major trunk road between Ravenglass and York.
Once the most northerly fort in the Roman Empire, it would have been manned by at least 1,000 soldiers, who lived in barracks nearby. If you look over the wall of the castle you can see the square earth banks and ditches in the field.
The beginnings of Brougham Castle were built in the early 13th century by Robert de Vieuxpont. The main tower from that time largely survives, reinforced by an impressive double gatehouse and other, 14th-century additions made by the powerful Clifford family to guard their northern estates against Scots invaders.
Although both King James 1 and King Charles 1 were regular visitors to the castle, it suffered years of neglect and was in poor condition by the time of the Civil War, when the amazing Lady Anne Clifford inherited it in her sixtieth year.
Despite the ravages of the war, she restored it to its former glory and it served as her main residence during the last years of her life, as she constantly went the rounds of her other castles in Appleby, Brough and Mallerstang. She died here in 1676 at the age of 86 years.
The castle subsequently passed into the ownership of the Earl of Thanet, during whose time it was reduced to a ruin again and much of it was demolished in 1691.
Today, Brougham Castle is owned by English Heritage. Visit their website to plan your visit
