Askerton Castle facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Askerton Castle |
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Cumbria, England | |
![]() Askerton Tower
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Coordinates | 55°00′55″N 2°42′19″W / 55.0153°N 2.7053°W |
Type | Fortified manor house |
Askerton Castle is a medieval fortified manor house located in Cumbria, England. It's a historic building that shows how homes were built for safety long ago.
Contents
Discovering Askerton Castle's Past
How Askerton Castle Was Built
Askerton Castle was first built around the year 1290. It is located in the area of Askerton in Cumbria. When it was first constructed, it was a simple manor house. This means it was a large country house, but it didn't have strong defenses.
Adding Towers for Space and Safety
Later, in the late 1400s, an important person named Thomas Lord Dacre owned the castle. He was the second Baron Dacre. He decided to make some big changes to Askerton Castle. He added two towers to the ends of the main hall. These towers had "crenellations," which are the notched tops you often see on castle walls.
While these crenellations made the castle look more like a fortress, Lord Dacre's main goal was to create more living space. He wanted to make the house bigger and more comfortable. It wasn't just about defending the castle. There might have been a third tower built for defense on the north-west side, but it is no longer there.
Modern Updates to a Historic Home
Many centuries later, in the 1850s, the castle got another update. A famous architect named Anthony Salvin worked on it. He was known for restoring old buildings. His work helped keep Askerton Castle in good condition.
Today, Askerton Castle is a "Grade I listed building." This means it is a very important historic building in England. It is protected to make sure it lasts for many more years.