Brougham Castle

Picturesque Brougham Castle was begun in the early 13th century by Robert de Vieuxpont, near the site of a Roman fort guarding the crossing of the River Eamont. His great keep largely survives, reinforced by an impressive double gatehouse and other 14th-century additions made by the powerful Clifford family, Wardens of the Marches. The castle thus became a formidable barrier to Scots invaders. Though both James I and Charles I stayed here, Brougham was in poor condition by the time of the Civil War. It was thereafter restored as a residence by the indomitable Lady Anne Clifford (see also Brough Castle and the Countess Pillar): she often visited with her travelling 'court', and died here in 1676. Today, the site features an introductory exhibition, including carved stones from the nearby Roman fort. There is a wheelchair route to the castle ruins, which enables disabled visitors to make a circuit of the site and read the interpretation panels.