Armathwaite Castle

Armathwaite Castle stands beside the River Eden in the small village of Armathwaite, Cumbria. Built in the 15th century as a pele tower, it was designed to protect the valley from Scottish raiders. The Skelton family owned the castle for over two centuries, using its four stone floors as both home and fortress. A Benedictine nunnery called Nun’s Close once formed part of the estate, though its founder remains uncertain. Later owners added classical stone facades and office wings in the 19th century. The castle is now a Grade II* listed building and remains privately owned. The castle’s history includes notable figures such as Robert Sanderson Milbourne, who turned it into a centre for antiquities. He worked with Thomas Rymer on the 20-volume Foedera, a major record of treaties. The Milbournes and later the Earl of Lonsdale also shaped its story. By the late 19th century, neglect had left the building in poor condition. A fire in 2026 caused severe damage, though its legacy endures in the surviving structure. Visitors find a grand mansion with classical stonework and a long history. The estate still includes traces of the old pele tower and Nun’s Close. Views over the River Eden add to the setting’s quiet charm. The castle’s private ownership means access is limited, but its presence remains a landmark. The surrounding village offers a peaceful retreat with a sense of the past.