Appleby Castle

Last updated
Appleby Castle
Appleby Castle - geograph.org.uk - 1176541.jpg
Location Appleby-in-Westmorland
OwnerChristopher Nightingale
Listed Building – Grade I
Designated partsgateway to the castle courtyard and two adjoining cottages
Listed Building – Grade II*
Designated partssandstone outer walls
Cumbria UK location map.svg
Red pog.svg
Location of Appleby Castle in Cumbria

Appleby Castle from above Appleby Castle from above.jpg
Appleby Castle from above

Appleby Castle is in the town of Appleby-in-Westmorland overlooking the River Eden (grid reference NY685200 ). It consists of a 12th-century castle keep which is known as Caesar's Tower, and a mansion house. These, together with their associated buildings, are set in a courtyard surrounded by curtain walls. [1] Caesar's Tower [NH 1] and the mansion house [NH 2] are each recorded in the National Heritage List for England as a designated Grade I listed building. The uninhabited parts of the castle are a scheduled ancient monument. [NH 3]

Contents

History

The 12th-century Caesar's Tower Appleby Castle.jpg
The 12th-century Caesar's Tower
The Great Picture, a huge triptych measuring 8ft 5" high and 16ft 2" wide, commissioned in 1646 by Anne Clifford, attributed to Jan van Belcamp (1610-1653), formerly hanging in Appleby Castle TheGreatPicture AnneClifford 1646 ByJanVanBelcamp.PNG
The Great Picture, a huge triptych measuring 8ft 5" high and 16ft 2" wide, commissioned in 1646 by Anne Clifford, attributed to Jan van Belcamp (1610–1653), formerly hanging in Appleby Castle

Ranulf le Meschin founded the castle at the beginning of the 12th century. In about 1170 the square stone keep known as Caesar's Tower was built. The castle was in royal hands when the Scottish king, William the Lion, invaded the Eden Valley in 1174. The constable of the castle surrendered without a fight. [3]

In 1203 the castle was granted to Robert I de Vipont by King John. [4] In 1264 it came into the possession of Roger de Clifford, [5] through his marriage to Isabel de Vipont, one of the two daughters and co-heiress of Robert II de Vipont. [6] Appleby Castle remained for nearly 400 years in the ownership of the Clifford family, who were responsible for much restoration of the castle. Roger's son, Robert de Clifford, inherited the castle in 1282. [7]

The north wall of house and the west part of the north wing with the round tower date from the 13th century. The eastern part of the house was built in 1454.

King James I stayed in the castle in 1617, between visits to Brougham Castle and Wharton Hall. [8] In the mid-17th century, Lady Anne Clifford made the castle her home. The castle was partly dismantled following a siege by roundhead forces in 1648, during the Second English Civil War. However, it was restored by Lady Anne Clifford in 1651–53. On her death the castle passed to the Earls of Thanet. They were responsible for converting the hall block into a classical mansion house. [3] The upper parts of Caesar's Tower were altered in the 17th and 18th centuries. [NH 1] The house was largely rebuilt in 1686 and the northwest wing was added in 1695. In the 19th century it was again restored and sash windows were inserted. [NH 2]

Ferguson Industrial Holdings (FIH PLC) purchased the castle in 1973 and it became the primary residence of Denis Vernon, the company's CEO, and his family. [9] The Vernons lived at Appleby Castle until 1990. Vernon, a passionate conservationist, established a rare breeds survival centre. [9] Considerable improvements were made to the fabric of all the buildings, not least the 12th-century keep. During this period, the castle was the headquarters and training centre of FIH PLC and for those running the conservation centre. Documentary and movie director Susannah White featured Denis Vernon and Appleby Castle in her 1998 BBC documentary The Gypsies Are Coming on Appleby Horse Fair. [10]

The castle was bought by Christopher Nightingale in 1998. [11] In 2009, Mrs. Sally Nightingale became the sole owner of Appleby Castle. [12] The castle and grounds are open to the public during specified hours. [13] The keep houses the Norman Centre, a museum and interactive experience. [14]

Structure

Caesar's Tower is built in grey stone rubble and ashlar. [NH 2] It is about 80 feet (24 m) high and has four storeys. [4] The main house is in two wings which are at right angles to each other. A semicircular round tower protrudes from the north wall of the north wing and a large square tower is at the south end of the east wing. [1]

Other features

East range of Appleby Castle in 2002 East range of Appleby Castle as seen from the keep, 2002.jpg
East range of Appleby Castle in 2002

The gateway to the castle courtyard and two adjoining cottages are listed Grade I. The gateway is in grey stone and battlemented, dating probably from the 17th century. [NH 4] In the grounds of the castle is Lady Anne's Beehouse, which was built by Lady Anne Clifford in the middle of the 17th century. It is a square stone building in two storeys with a pyramid roof and a door on the lower level. The upper level has a pointed arched window on each of three sides and a door on the fourth side. It is also listed Grade I. [NH 5] Two stretches of the sandstone outer walls to the castle dating mostly from the 18th and 19th centuries are listed Grade II, [NH 6] [NH 7] as is the battlemented North Lodge which dates from the 19th century. [NH 8] The grounds around the castle are listed Grade II*. [NH 9]

See also

National Heritage List for England

  1. 1 2 Historic England. "Caesar's tower at Appleby Castle (1145604)". National Heritage List for England . Retrieved 21 March 2015.
  2. 1 2 3 Historic England. "Main Building of Appleby Castle (1137815)". National Heritage List for England. Retrieved 21 March 2015.
  3. ↑ Historic England. "Appleby Castle, uninhabited parts (1003276)". National Heritage List for England. Retrieved 21 March 2015.
  4. ↑ Historic England. "Castle Moat Cottage, Gatehouse Cottage, gateway to Appleby Castle (1145605)". National Heritage List for England. Retrieved 21 March 2015.
  5. ↑ Historic England. "Lady Anne's Bee-house in copse to northeast of former stable block at Appleby Castle (1319047)". National Heritage List for England. Retrieved 21 March 2015.
  6. ↑ Historic England. "Outer wall to Appleby Castle grounds, from South Lodge to the river (1311497)". National Heritage List for England. Retrieved 21 March 2015.
  7. ↑ Historic England. "Outer wall to Appleby Castle grounds, from North Lodge to South Lodge (1319066)". National Heritage List for England. Retrieved 21 March 2015.
  8. ↑ Historic England. "North Lodge to Appleby Castle (1145606)". National Heritage List for England. Retrieved 21 March 2015.
  9. ↑ Historic England. "Appleby Castle (1000659)". National Heritage List for England. Retrieved 21 March 2015.

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sizergh</span> Historic house in Cumbria, England

Sizergh Castle is a stately home with garden and estate at Helsington in Cumbria, England, about 4 miles (6 km) south of Kendal. Located in historic Westmorland, the castle is a Grade I listed building. While remaining the home of the Hornyold-Strickland family, the castle with its garden and estate is in the care of the National Trust.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Peel tower</span> Small medieval fortified keep or tower house

Peel towers are small fortified keeps or tower houses, built along the English and Scottish borders in the Scottish Marches and North of England, mainly between the mid-14th century and about 1600. They were free-standing with defence being a prime consideration in their design, although "confirmation of status and prestige" also played a role. Additionally, they functioned as watch-towers, where garrisoned personnel could light signal fires to warn of approaching danger.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Countess Pillar</span>

The Countess Pillar is a 17th-century monument near Brougham, Cumbria, England, between Penrith and Appleby. It is two miles east of Penrith on the A66. The square top of the pillar is brightly painted and carries sundials on its sides. It was erected by Lady Anne Clifford in 1656 to mark the place where she said goodbye for the last time to her mother, Margaret Clifford, Countess of Cumberland.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Appleby-in-Westmorland</span> Market town in Cumbria, England

Appleby-in-Westmorland is a market town and civil parish in Westmorland and Furness, Cumbria, England, with a population of 3,048 at the 2011 Census. Crossed by the River Eden, Appleby is the county town of the historic county of Westmorland. It was known just as Appleby until 1974–1976, when the council of the successor parish to the borough changed it to retain the name Westmorland, which was abolished as an administrative area under the Local Government Act 1972, before being revived as Westmorland and Furness in 2023. It lies 14 miles (23 km) south-east of Penrith, 32 miles (51 km) south-east of Carlisle, 27 miles (43 km) north-east of Kendal and 45 miles (72 km) west of Darlington.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">George Clifford, 3rd Earl of Cumberland</span> English noble (1558–1605)

Sir George Clifford, 3rd Earl of Cumberland, 13th Baron de Clifford, 13th Lord of Skipton,, was an English peer, naval commander, and courtier of Queen Elizabeth I of England. He was notable at court for his jousting, at the Accession Day Tilts, which were highlights of the year at court. Two famous survivals, his portrait miniature by Nicholas Hilliard and a garniture of Greenwich armour, reflect this important part of his life. In contrast, he neglected his estates in the far north of England and left a long succession dispute between his heirs.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Brough, Cumbria</span> Human settlement in England

Brough, sometimes known as Brough under Stainmore, is a village and civil parish in the historic county of Westmorland and the ceremonial county of Cumbria, England, within the Westmorland and Furness unitary authority area, on the western fringe of the Pennines near Stainmore. The village is on the A66 trans-Pennine road, and the Swindale Beck, and is about 8 miles (13 km) south east of Appleby-in-Westmorland. Brough is situated 5 miles (8.0 km) north east of Kirkby Stephen and 28 miles (45 km) north east of Kendal on the A685.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Brough Castle</span> Castle in Cumbria, England

Brough Castle is a ruined castle in the village of Brough, Cumbria, England. The castle was built by William Rufus around 1092 within the old Roman fort of Verterae to protect a key route through the Pennine Mountains. The initial motte and bailey castle was attacked and destroyed by the Scots in 1174 during the Great Revolt against Henry II. Rebuilt after the war, a square keep was constructed and the rest of the castle converted to stone.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Brougham Castle</span> Medieval castle in Cumbria, England

Brougham Castle is a medieval building about 2 miles (3.2 km) south-east of Penrith, Cumbria, England. The castle was founded by Robert I de Vieuxpont in the early 13th century. The site, near the confluence of the rivers Eamont and Lowther, had been chosen by the Romans for a Roman fort called Brocavum. The castle, along with the fort, is a scheduled monument: "Brougham Roman fort and Brougham Castle".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Pendragon Castle</span>

Pendragon Castle is a ruin located in Mallerstang Dale, Cumbria, south of Kirkby Stephen, and close to the hamlet of Outhgill. It stands above a bend in the River Eden, overlooked by Wild Boar Fell to the south-west and Mallerstang Edge to the east. It is a Grade I listed building.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Vieuxpont</span> Prominent family of Westmorland, England

Vipont is the name of a prominent family in the history of Westmorland. According to Thomas the name originated in France before 1066 as Vieuxpont, Latinized to de Vetere Ponte, with alternative spellings Vezpont, Veepon, Vexpont, Vypont, Vispont, Vypunt, Vespont, Vipond, Vypond, Voypond, Veepond, Vippond, Vipon, Vipan, Vipen, etc. The Vipont family bore arms: Gules, six annulets or 3:2:1, later quartered by Baron Clifford.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cartmel Fell</span> Hamlet and civil parish in Cumbria, England

Cartmel Fell is a hamlet and a civil parish in the South Lakeland district of Cumbria, England. In the 2001 census the parish had a population of 309, increasing at the 2011 census to 329. The village of Cartmel and Cartmel Priory are not in this parish but in Lower Allithwaite, to the south: Cartmel Fell church is about 7 miles north of Cartmel Priory.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Hutton in the Forest</span> Country house in Cumbria, UK

Hutton in the Forest is a Grade I listed country house near the village of Skelton in the historic county of Cumberland, which now forms part of the modern county of Cumbria, England. It belonged to the Fletcher-Vane family from 1605 until 1931 when it became the property of the Barons Inglewood who were distant relatives of the Fletcher-Vane family.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Appleby Grammar School</span> Academy in Appleby-in-Westmorland, Cumbria, England

Appleby Grammar School is a co-educational comprehensive secondary school and sixth form in Appleby-in-Westmorland for students aged 11 to 18. Since 2011, it has been an Academy. Until 2013, the school was a registered charity.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">St James' Church, Great Ormside</span> Church in Cumbria, England

St James' Church is in the village of Great Ormside, Cumbria, England. It is an active Anglican parish church in the deanery of Appleby, the archdeaconry of Carlisle, and the diocese of Carlisle. The parish is united with nine other parishes and thirteen places of worship to form the Heart of Eden benefice. The church is recorded in the National Heritage List for England as a designated Grade I listed building. It stands on top of a circular mound overlooking the River Eden.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Burneside Hall</span>

Burneside Hall is a converted medieval pele tower in Burneside, Cumbria, England.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">St Lawrence's Church, Appleby</span> Church in Cumbria , England

St Lawrence's Church is in Boroughgate, Appleby-in-Westmorland, Cumbria, England. It is an active Anglican parish church in the deanery of Appleby, the archdeaconry of Carlisle, and the diocese of Carlisle. The parish is one of ten parishes which form the Heart of Eden benefice. Sunday worship is at 10.45am and on Fridays at 10am. The church is recorded in the National Heritage List for England as a designated Grade I listed building.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">St Margaret and St James' Church, Long Marton</span> Church in Cumbria, England

St Margaret and St James' Church is located about 0.5 miles (0.8 km) to the south of the village of Long Marton, Cumbria, England. It is an active Anglican parish church in the deanery of Appleby, the archdeaconry of Carlisle, and the diocese of Carlisle. The parish is one of ten local parishes which form the benefice of the Heart of Eden. The church is recorded in the National Heritage List for England as a designated Grade I listed building.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">St Laurence's Church, Morland</span> Church in Cumbria, England

St Lawrence's Church is in the village of Morland, Cumbria, England. It is an active Anglican parish church in the deanery of Appleby, the archdeaconry of Carlisle, and the diocese of Carlisle. The parish of Morland includes the historic parish of Thrimby, with its church of St Mary, Little Strickland. The benefice of Morland is united, under the name North Westmorland, with the parishes of Askham and Lowther, Bampton, Bolton, Cliburn, Clifton and Brougham, Crosby Ravensworth, Shap and Great Strickland. The church is recorded in the National Heritage List for England as a designated Grade I listed building. It has the only Anglo-Saxon tower in Cumbria.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Dalemain</span> Country house in Cumbria, England

Dalemain is a country house around 5 miles south-west of Penrith in Cumbria, England. It is a Grade I listed building. Dalemain is part of the Lake District UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Appleby-in-Westmorland is a civil parish in the Eden District, Cumbria, England. It contains 144 buildings that are recorded in the National Heritage List for England. Of these, six are listed at Grade I, the highest of the three grades, eleven are at Grade II*, the middle grade, and the others are at Grade II, the lowest grade. The parish contains the market town of Appleby and surrounding countryside. There is a great variety of types of listed building in the parish. The most important building is Appleby Castle; this and a number of associated structures are listed. Most of the listed buildings are houses and associated structures, shops and public buildings. Other listed buildings include churches, public houses, hotels, two crosses and a lamp post, farmhouses and farm buildings, former industrial buildings, schools, banks, a bridge, railway station buildings, a length of wall containing inscribed stones, a milestone, and three war memorials.

References

  1. 1 2 Appleby Castle, Visit Cumbria, archived from the original on 7 January 2008, retrieved 30 November 2007
  2. ↑ "Jan van Belcamp (c1610–1653)". Lakeland Arts . Retrieved 5 August 2023.
  3. 1 2 "Appleby Castle". Castle Explorer. Archived from the original on 24 December 2007.
  4. 1 2 Fry, Plantagenet Somerset (1980). The David & Charles Book of Castles. Newton Abbot: David & Charles. pp. 178–179. ISBN   0-7153-7976-3.
  5. ↑ Vivian, J. L. (1895). The Visitations of the County of Devon. Exeter: Eland. p. 194. Retrieved 30 March 2019.
  6. ↑ Sanders, p.104
  7. ↑ Sanders, I.J. English Baronies: A Study of their Origin and Descent 1086-1327, Oxford, 1960, p.143
  8. ↑ Historic Monuments Commission (1995). Report on the Manuscripts of the Most Honourable the Marquess of Downshire. Vol. 6. Stationery Office Books. p. 141.
  9. 1 2 "Industrialist who first opened Appleby Castle". Cumberland and Westmorland Herald . 26 October 2002. Archived from the original on 5 December 2013.
  10. ↑ The Gypsies Are Coming at IMDb OOjs UI icon edit-ltr-progressive.svg
  11. ↑ "King Of The Castle Unveils His Plans". The Westmorland Gazette . 7 February 1998.
  12. ↑ Foster, Patrick (27 January 2016). "Divorce Husband 'Concealed £6m by Using Tipp-Ex on Bank Papers'". Daily Telegraph . p. 3.
  13. ↑ "Appleby Castle: Jewel in the Eden Valley". Appleby Castle. Retrieved 14 December 2022.
  14. ↑ "The Norman Centre". Appleby Castle. 13 July 2021. Retrieved 12 June 2023.

54°34′27″N2°29′20″W / 54.57423°N 2.48878°W / 54.57423; -2.48878

This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.