High Head Castle

High Head Castle stands in Cumbria between Carlisle and Penrith, on ground once occupied by a medieval castle. The present Georgian house replaced the older structure, though only parts of the exterior walls and foundations remain. A fire in the 1950s left the building a ruin, save for the right-hand wing which now has a new roof. The site includes a stable quadrangle with rusticated stonework and a cupola. Privately owned, the owners work to restore the house. The castle is Grade II* listed and appears on Historic England’s Heritage at Risk Register. The earliest record of the castle dates from 1272, when it was a square pele tower within a curtain wall. Sir William L’Engleys, Chief Forester of Inglewood, held the castle in the 14th century. The Richmond family extended the house in the 16th century, leaving behind a wing with distinctive mullioned windows. In the 18th century the Brougham and Vaux family added a new facade with Ionic columns and a pedimented centre. Later tenants included the Hills family, who lived there until at least 1909, and the Cavaghan family from 1921 to 1929. Visitors see the remains of the Georgian house, including the restored wing and surviving walls. The medieval wing and the stable block show earlier craftsmanship. The stable quadrangle has heavy stonework and a steep pediment gable. The site offers views across the surrounding countryside. Though not open to the public, the ruins and outbuildings remain impressive. The Grade II* listing recognises the building’s historical importance.