Tudor Wing West Of High Head Castle

NY 44 SW SKELTON HIGH HEAD

5/219 Tudor wing west of High Head Castle

II*

Tudor wing of High Head Castle, partly incorporated in C18 wing, now in ruins. Mid C16 for the Richmond family with C19 and C20 alterations, partly destroyed by fire in 1956. Thick red sandstone rubble walls with eaves cornice and parapet; without roof. 2 storeys, 5 bays. The present facade, originally the rear, without doorways; the left open doorway is therefore C20; and 2 C19 doorways are now blocked to form windows. 4-light hollow-chamfered stone-mullioned windows, with rounded heads, under hoodmoulds; the small chamfered-surround windows are apparently C20 and ground-floor 2-light matching windows (in former doorways) are also C20. A right ground-floor window has been completely removed leaving an open arch, partly covered by a small ruined lean-to washhouse/outhouse which is probably C18 but on earlier foundations. The former facade was completely plastered over when the C18 wing was constructed and formed an internal dividing wall. Now the building is in ruins, the plaster falling off, revealing blocked 4-light chamfered windows and a panel of Richmond arms. A central staircase has been knocked through. The interior is partly filled with fallen rubble but retains some window seats and fireplace recesses. Whilst an integral part of the C18 Castle this was originally a free-standing building and should anything happen to the C18 wing, then this would revert to its original form and be the only visible remains of the medieval castle. See Transactions Cumberland & Westmorland Antiquarian & Archaeological Society, new series, xi, 379-384.

Listing NGR: NY4026543332