LOWTHER CASTLE

Westmorland

Lowther Castle, Westmorland

One of those very rare ruined Gothick Castles, Lowther is a huge rambling place standing in a deer park (private at the time of our visit).

The first Castle was built here by Viscount Lonsdale in 1694.  In 1720 a terrible fire tore through the original Castle gutting it completely.  Plans for a rebuild were drawn up in 1767 by Robert Adam, but for some reason or another his work was never carried out.  Instead the 25 year old Robert Smirke was employed on his first major commission.

It is Smirke's tremendous, if unsubtle, building that was constructed between 1806 and 1811. Sadly the Castle was not lived in for very long and was abandoned for more manageable living quarters nearby.

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© Text copyright - Raving Loony Productions, Andrew J. Müller and Roy Barton
© Photos and Artwork - Andrew J. Müller and Roy Barton
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2001

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