Kirkoswald Castle

Kirkoswald Castle is a ruined castle dating from the late 15th century, which incorporates earlier buildings associated with the Dacre family. It is constructed from large blocks of Penrith red sandstone ashlar set on a chamfered plinth. The site includes the remains of three towers and part of the hall, with additional foundations discovered below ground level through excavation.

One notable feature is a three-storey angle garderobe tower, which has a pointed entrance on the ground floor and small lancet openings on two sides. The facing stones of this tower bear individual mason's marks. The inner wall of the tower contains various garderobe entrances, including one with a chamfered lintel. Fragments of the adjoining hall walls are still visible. Another angle tower stands two storeys high, featuring a vaulted basement and a first-floor window, although all facing stone above ground level has been removed. A vaulted basement of a corresponding angle tower remains, but no walls are visible above ground.

The encircling moat, which dates to the early 16th century, is complete. The castle was abandoned in the late 16th century, with demolition beginning in 1604. Materials from the castle were repurposed for Naworth Castle, and other stone was used in various buildings throughout Kirkoswald. For further details, see Curwen's "Castles and Towers of Cumberland & Westmorland," published in 1913, pages 150-153.