KENDAL CASTLE

Westmorland

Not built of the famous Kendal Mint Cake - although the stuff is hard enough! - Kendal Castle stands to the west of the town on a natural high point.  It is predated by a motte Castle (known as Castle Howe) on the other side of town which dates to 1087.

The current stone Castle was built on its new site by one of the de Lancaster family sometime early in the 12th century.  This was another earth and timber Castle, built around a ringwork motte.  Late in the 12th century, Gilbert FitzReinfred rebuilt the Castle in stone.  The Castle is of the curtain walls variety, with no keep in evidence.  There was most likely a gatehouse, but of that there is no sign today, the chief remains being of two towers and some of the walling between them.

During the 14th century Kendal was attacked on numerous occasions by the Scots, but it is unclear if the Castle was ever involved.  Richard II granted the Castle to the Parr family, but by the time Katherine Parr was born Kendal was already in a poor condition, so it is unlikely she was born in the Castle, although she is certainly Kendal's most famous daughter.

Both Castle sites are on public land.

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2001