Egremont Castle

Egremont Castle is a castle dating from the mid 12th century, with later additions and alterations. It was the first castle established by Walter de Meschines around 1120. The earliest surviving work includes the west wall and gatehouse. The castle is built from sandstone blocks on a chamfered plinth, and the west wall features extensive sections of herringbone masonry and retains some embrasures. The keep is located at the north end of the mound and includes a courtyard, although it is now in ruins. The west gateway has a round-headed entrance arch, and inside, a column in each corner supports the remains of a domical rib-vault. The south wall of the keep was rebuilt in the mid 13th century, and a doorway on the left still has slots for a portcullis and draw-bar. For a detailed description and plan, refer to Knowles and Jackson in the Transactions of Cumberland & Westmorland Antiquarian & Archaeological Society, Old Series Vol. 6, pages 162A-D. The site is also designated as a Scheduled Ancient Monument.