Egremont Castle
The ruined Norman castle in Egremont proudly stands high above the town on a natural hill that is steeply scarped. As Norman Nicholson says, "lifted above the town like the Ark in the wilderness".
Today the Castle still has much of its structure standing and its original presence and power over the town can be easily imagined. Although there was an earlier Norman mound near this site the castle was believed to be built on the site of a Danish fort above the River Ehen. William de Meschines, who owned the Barony of Copeland, started the construction in around 1130-1140 and further additions were made in the 13th century. The history of the castle and town is bound up with the legend of the Horn of Egremont and its links with the De Lucy family.
The legend has interested many artists and poets: William Wordsworth wrote a poem in 1806 entitled The Horn of Egremont Castle as well as Norman Nicholson and sculptor Paul Bainbridge has created a major bas-relief work that is now sited in the castle grounds.
Nowadays the ditches are still well preserved and part of the wall and the gatehouse are in reasonable repair. The massive wall at the end of the outer bailey was origonally part of the Great Hall.
Differing styles of building can be seen in the construction and subsequent repairs of the Castle that have been made over the years. Part of the outer wall near the gatehouse has interesting herringbone stonework.
In 1913 the site was leased to the local council by Lord Leconfield for a peppercorn rent on condition the site was converted into a pleasure garden for the town. The site is surrounded by lovely gardens and the addition of an aromatic sensory garden by the old sundial and cross, fills the air with scent enhancing the enjoyment of the grounds.
The castle affords fine views over the surrounding countryside towards Cold Fell and Nether Wasdale.Awareness and enjoyment of the castle has been increased by the evening illumination of the site allowing passers by to appreciate Egremont and its historical castle.
Initiated by The Regeneration Partnership initiative Creative Egremont the lighting project began by involving the community and schools in a lighting competition before and during the appointment of lighting consultants Sutton Vane Associates. A projection is planned for the North wall and changeable colors for the South wall.
These projections will act as a backdrop to events and productions. The whole site will benefit from up-lighters in the grounds.
The site has been the scene for a medieval pageant and many outdoor productions and events take place in the castle grounds during the year. In the past events have been subject to the inclemency of the weather and performances have had to move to the Market Hall at short notice.
Now a wonderful Pavilion has been designed to ensure that these events remain in the castle grounds benefiting from its atmosphere becoming even more successful in their programming.
The Castle and Grounds have retained the prestigious Green Flag and the Green Heritage Site award for several years. The Castle and Grounds first won these awards in 2004/5 and were the first Cumbrian winners of the Green Heritage award, one of only seven in the country.
Right: Green Flag Judges and Friends of Egremont Castle gather for the 2008 inspection.Picture Simon Walker.
further information on Green Flag Award Winners can be found here.
Below: Green Flag Judges with Bill Oldfield. Picture Simon Walker
An active membership group, Friends of the Castle, works closely with Copeland Council's parks department in the management of the castle and grounds to keep standards high, promote events, raise interest in the site and funds for development.
Opening times:
The castle is open daily and the gates shut early evening. Admission is free but donations to The Friends of the Castle are welcome.
Directions:
Off the A595, 5 miles South East of Whitehaven.
For further Information and to make a donation to the friends group please ring one of the following:
The Tourist Information office on 01946 820693
Friends of the Castle members Margaret Woodburn in the Town Hall on 01946 820254
Ann Morton, Friends of the Castle on 01946 820493
Margaret Woodburn can also supply Friends badges on sale at £1 each
