Cockermouth Castle facts for kids
Cockermouth Castle is an old and important castle. You can find it in the town of Cockermouth in Cumbria, England. It sits right where two rivers, the River Cocker and the River Derwent, meet. This castle is a very special historical site. It's known as a "Grade I listed building" and a "Scheduled Ancient Monument." This means it's protected because of its history.
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History of Cockermouth Castle
Building the First Castle
The very first castle on this spot was built a long, long time ago. It was constructed by the Normans in the year 1134. The Normans were people from Normandy, France, who came to England. They even used some stones from an old Roman site nearby called Derventio to help build it.
Changes Over Time
Over the years, the castle grew bigger. Important parts were added during the 1200s and 1300s. This made the castle stronger and more impressive.
Castle in Wars
Cockermouth Castle played a role in some big events in English history. It was involved in the Wars of the Roses, which were a series of battles between two powerful families in England. Later, it was badly damaged during the English Civil War. This war was fought between the King and Parliament in the 1600s.
Who Owned the Castle?
Many important families owned the castle over the centuries. The Percy family, who were the Earls of Northumberland, held it for a long time. They owned it from the 1400s to the 1600s. After them, the castle passed to the Wyndham family in the 1700s. The Wyndham family still owns the castle today.
Looking After Cockermouth Castle
Keeping the Castle Safe
Today, parts of Cockermouth Castle are still lived in. Most of the castle is in good condition. However, some of the older, ruined parts are slowly falling apart. Because of this, these parts are on the "Heritage at Risk Register." This list helps make sure important historical sites get the care they need.
Visiting the Castle
Even though it's a private home, the castle sometimes opens its doors to the public. This happens as part of the Heritage Open Days program. These special days allow people to visit historical places that are not usually open. It's a great chance to see inside this amazing old castle!
