Penrith Castle, Medieval castle in Penrith, England.
Penrith Castle is a medieval castle ruin built from New Red Sandstone, standing in the center of Penrith, England. What remains today includes a substantial south wall, an east tower, and a series of underground vaulted passages that were part of the original structure.
The castle was begun in the late 14th century in response to repeated Scottish raids that threatened the town. Over the following decades it grew into a noble residence and gradually lost its role as a military stronghold as the border became more settled.
The castle sits right next to the railway station, making it one of the first things visitors see when they arrive in town. The red sandstone walls rising above the grass give the town center an unusually medieval feel that surprises many first-time visitors.
The site is freely open at any time of day and is easily reached on foot from the town center or the railway station next door. Information boards placed around the grounds help make sense of the different sections of wall and underground spaces.
Some of the stone used in the construction was taken from Raby Castle in the early 15th century, with permission granted by the Earl of Westmorland. It is rare to find a castle that was partly built using material transported from another existing fortress.
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