Armathwaite Castle

Armathwaite Castle is a four-story structure beside the River Eden with thick red sandstone walls and a double-span hipped slate roof topped by a solid parapet. The building was recently renovated and converted from multiple flats back into a single dwelling while respecting its original layout.

The Skelton family built this defensive structure in 1445 to protect the Eden Valley from Scottish raids during the medieval period. By the later 17th century it was transformed into a wealthy residence, showing how it evolved from a fortress to an elegant home.

The castle houses a late 17th-century oak staircase with heavy twisted balusters, showing the craftsmanship of that period. These details remain visible today and give a sense of how wealthy families decorated their homes.

Its location by the river means the building is visible from outside year-round from various angles if you use the riverside paths. The recent renovation made the structure more stable, though check beforehand which exterior areas are accessible to visitors.

Robert Sanderson Milbourne used the castle as a center for collecting historical documents and helped compile a major 20-volume Foedera collection. This connection to scholarly work makes the place more than just a defensive stronghold.

Location: Hesket

GPS coordinates: 54.80530,-2.77040

Latest update: December 8, 2025 21:07