Penrith Castle Visit

I was lucky to visit Penrith Castle on a day that genuinely captured its mood. It was dark, a bit stormy, and colder than it should have been this time of year—a perfect day, in my opinion. Penrith Castle is settled in a park that feels oddly surrounded by very modern developments which contrast the transportation of time one feels walking through the ruins. 

The site was constructed in the 14th century with a squared trench surrounding the grounds, a small wooden drawbridge for entry, a grand castle with an inner courtyard, and the minor buildings of castle-upkeep just in its shadows. Unlike other castles of this period, Penrith was constructed at a lower elevation than the highest point (a nearby hill). Instead, the trenches had likely already been used as part of a Roman fort, making this lower-elevation area a suitable choice for building. The residence was more than just the lively home of nobles. The grounds also served a pivotal purpose in defending the Scottish border. 

Ralph Neville, ‘The Kingmaker’ and Warden of the West March, built the Penrith property in 1396. After his death in 1471, the area was granted to the future King Richard III (who was still Richard, Duke of Gloucester until 1483). The future King Richard III undertook several architectural projects, such as adding larger-scale windows for private chambers, which we can still see as remnants today. 

Unfortunately, the castle and outbuildings remained uninhabited for a significant amount of time after Richard III became King, leaving them in partial ruin by the 16th century. What remains now is part of Penrith Castle Park, located directly across from the quaint Cumbrian town train station and overlooking the generous mountain range in the distance. 

However, what is left of the castle feels very much like a cinematic backdrop. The state of ruin allows one to climb atop history and wander through chambers, kitchens, baths, and lounges that feel too distantly calm to call comfortable. But there’s a charming side to this feeling as well. Those with bright imaginations may be able to sense the presence of something great that was once encapsulated within these crumbling walls. 

The thought that genuine persons lived here, experiencing every human emotion, from planning terrifying sieges to the daily chore of baking loaves of bread, does not escape me. And this recognition that now, in 2024, I am not that distant from these people brings me comfort once again that modern humans are still well connected with our own history. 

Sources:

“History of Penrith Castle.” English Heritage, www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/penrith-castle/history/. Accessed 9 Aug. 2024.

“Richard III (r. 1483-1485).” The Royal Family, www.royal.uk/richard-iii. Accessed 9 Aug. 2024.