The core of Sizergh Castle is a 14th century pele tower. The castle was built within the wide band of land which, before the Union of 1603, frequently changed hands between England and Scotland.
The tower has walls 9-foot-thick which still reach to 60 feet at the battlements.
During Tudor times the castle was extended to the north and west. These wings have fine panelling and decoration.
The Great Hall, built in 1450, was altered and decorated between 1558 and 1575.
Some further changes were made during the late 18th century and the castle reflects the period of prosperty during Tudor times.
The panelling of the Inlaid Chamber was sold to the Victoria and Albert museum in 1891. However, the museum has loaned back two panels together with the inlaid bed which was made to match the room.
The castle contains English and French furniture, silver and china and family portraits. There is also a collection of Stuart portraits and Stuart and Jacobite relics. In 1239 the castle passed by marriage into the hands of the Strickland family.
It has remained their main residence ever since except for the short period when the family accompanied James II into exile.
The family's support of the Stuart cause is reflected in the many portraits in the house.
Althougn Mr H. Hornyold-Strickland gave the castle and contents to the National Trust in 1950 the family still lives in the building.
Sizergh Castle, wreathed in Virginia creeper, is surrounded by grounds. The gardens were created in the 1920s and contain the National Trust's largest limestone rock garden.
A stream tumbles through the garden and steps lead down to a lake, where wildflowers, including orchids, flourish.
The garden also has mature Japanese maples, now growing in marvellous gnarled shapes, a rose garden, including musk and moss roses, wide herbaceous borders, a terrace wall covered with tender climbing plants and a splendid collection of hardy ferns.
2008: Castle: 17 Mar-2 Nov 13:00-17:00 Mon-Thur& Sun. Gardens open at 11:00. Last entry 30 mins before close.
Tel: 015395 60951 Sizergh Castle Website
