Brougham Castle

The castle was built in around 1170 on the banks of the River Eamont.  It was constructed of sandstone rubble with decorative cut stone used for the windows and doors and for the corners of the tower. Three walls of the castle were reinforced with buttresses and a forebuilding was added to the fourth side. The tower had three storeys originally but at a later date a fourth storey was added. The work on the later storey was of higher quality and the difference can be easily seen today.

Other buildings were added to the castle over the years but most notable is the work carried out in the 17th century.

The castle became the property of Anne Clifford, Countess of Dorset, Pembroke and Montgomery.  She was extremely rich and powerful and was determined that her three castles at Brougham, Appleby and Brough should be made habitable, and she spent a great deal ensuring this happened.

The Countess died at Brougham Castle in 1678 when she was almost 90 years old.

The castle is now in ruins although the great tower is still impressive.