Appleby Castle

Description: It is probable that Ranulph le Meschin began building Appleby Castle around 1100 passing it to the Crown when le Meschin was made Earl of Chester in 1121. The castle was taken by the Scots in 1136 and it was not regained until 1157. Appleby, and the nearby Brough Castle, was then given to Hugh de Morville, both having been recaptured from the Scots at the same time. de Morville was probably responsible for the Keeps at both castles. Both were confiscated by the Crown in 1173 and kept until 1179 when they were given to Theobold de Valoines. The Crown again took possession in 1190 until 1203 when they were given to Robert de Vipont (a relation of Hugh de Morville) who seriously neglected them. The Castles changed hands again in 1269, passing to the Clifford family. They remained in Clifford control for the next 400 years, except for the years 1461-1485 during the Wars of the Roses, when they were again confiscated by the Crown. The Clifford's made many improvements to Appleby Castle, and in 1454 it was rebuilt. However by 1540 the castle was in 'ruinous' condition, and Henry Clifford, 2nd Earl of Cumberland, deliberately damaged the structure to discourage the Scots from attempting to take the Castle. Further damage was inflicted during the Civil War in the 1640s. In 1651 Lady Anne Clifford, a saviour of many buildings of interest on her estates, began to restore the castle. Lady Anne died in 1679 and her grandson Thomas Tufton, Earl of Thanet, became owner of both Appleby and Brough Castles. Appleby Castle was improved and altered over the period 1686-8. Stone from nearby Brough and Brougham castles was used at Appleby castle and Brough was allowed to fall into ruin.

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Notes: The Castle is open to the public as a Wildfowl centre. It is located in the town of Appleby in Cumbria. It is possible to walk around the gardens or go into the keep, but the main house is closed to the public. Classic car rallies and others are held at the castle each year.