Pendragon Castle, Norman castle ruins in Mallerstang, England
Pendragon Castle is a stone fortress ruin positioned on elevated ground beside the River Eden in a mountain valley. The remains show the typical layout of a Norman stronghold with towers and thick walls built to defend against attacks from neighboring Scotland.
The fortress was built around 1100 by Ranulph de Meschines for King William II to guard the Scottish border. In 1660, the Countess Anne Clifford repaired the decaying structures and added domestic buildings.
Local stories tie this fortress to the legend of King Uther Pendragon, who supposedly tried to redirect the River Eden to create a water defense around the walls. These tales remain part of how people in the valley understand their landscape.
You can reach the castle exterior via public footpaths and explore the ruins from outside. The interior remains closed for safety, but you can walk around the perimeter and enjoy clear views of the stonework and surrounding terrain.
When Anne Clifford rebuilt the ruins, she added practical buildings like a brewhouse, bakehouse, and stables, turning the fort into a livable residence in the 1600s. This transformation of a medieval military stronghold into a country dwelling shows how the site adapted to new purposes.
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