Greystoke Castle facts for kids
Greystoke Castle is a historic castle located in the village of Greystoke. This village is about 8 kilometers (5 miles) west of Penrith in the county of Cumbria, in northern England. It has a long and interesting history, changing hands and being rebuilt many times over the centuries.
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A Look Back at Greystoke Castle
Greystoke Castle has stood for many hundreds of years, seeing many changes and events. Its story begins shortly after the Normans arrived in England.
Building the First Castle
In 1069, after the Normans took over England, an English landowner named Ligulf de Greystoke got his land back. He decided to build a wooden tower, which was surrounded by a strong wooden fence. This was the very first version of Greystoke Castle.
Later, in 1129, Ligulf's grandson, Ivo, built the first stone structure on the site. Over time, this building grew into a large defensive tower known as a pele tower. In the 1300s, William de Greystoke received special permission from the king to add more defenses, like strong walls and towers. This made the castle even bigger and stronger.
Through Wars and Changes
By 1571, the castle was owned by Thomas Howard, 4th Duke of Norfolk. He gained ownership through his marriage into the Dacre family, who had owned it before. The Howard family were supporters of the Catholic faith and the King.
The English Civil War
Because the Howards supported the King, Greystoke Castle faced a tough time during the English Civil War. In 1648, soldiers who supported Parliament, led by General Lambert, attacked the castle. They caused a lot of damage, leaving the castle in ruins.
Rebuilding and Fire
After the Civil War, the castle was repaired and made larger in 1789. Then, between 1838 and 1848, it was rebuilt again by a famous architect named Anthony Salvin. He kept some of the older parts, like the pele tower, and added new sections. The surrounding lands were also turned into a modern farm.
However, disaster struck in 1868 when a fire broke out in the castle. Many valuable treasures and artworks were sadly lost. But the castle was rebuilt once more, again by Salvin, under the direction of Henry Howard.
World War II and Beyond
During the Second World War, the army took over Greystoke Castle and its lands. It was used as a training area for tank drivers. The castle itself became a camp for captured soldiers. This period caused a lot of damage to both the building and the estate.
In 1950, Stafford Howard inherited the estate and began working to restore the castle. Today, his son, Neville, manages the castle and its lands, continuing the long history of this special place.
Greystoke Castle Today
Greystoke Castle is not generally open to the public for tours. However, it is used for various events. You can stay there as a bed and breakfast, or it can be a place for business events and outdoor team-building activities. It is also licensed for civil weddings, making it a beautiful and historic spot for special occasions.
