Egremont Castle
| Egremont Castle | |
|
Cumberland | |
|---|---|
 Egremont Castle, 2005 | |
| Location | |
| Grid reference: | NY00981050 |
| Location: | 54°28’42"N, 3°31’46"W |
| Town: | Egremont |
| History | |
| Built 1092 | |
| Information | |
| Condition: | ruined |
Egremont Castle is to be found in the small town of Egremont in Cumberland. It is no more than a romantic ruin today, but in its time a protection for the new-planted town in which it has stood since the days of William Rufus.
History
The original castle was built on a mound above the River Ehen on the site of a Danish fort following the conquest of Cumberland in 1092 by King William II. The present castle was built by William Meschin, who founded the castle between 1120 and 1135. Further additions were made in the 13th century. It eventually fell into disuse and became the ruin it is today.
The castle provided protection for the town which William also created. The long wide street provided a marketplace for traders, who were granted privileges and given security in return for payment of tolls. Some of the profits were undoubtedly used by this founding father of Egremont in the foundation of the priory of St Bega at St Bees.
The castle is of Motte-and-bailey design.
Egremont Castle is said to have once possessed a horn which only the rightful heir could blow. The legend was the subject of William Wordsworth's poem The Horn of Egremont Castle.[1]
Outside links
- ECastles - Egremont
- Fry, P.S. The David & Charles Book of Castles, David & Charles, London, 1980. ISBN 0-7153-7976-3