Penrith in Cumbria, England, United Kingdom — Northwestern Europe (the British Isles)

Home for a Future King

— Penrith Castle —

Photographed by Ray Gurganus, April 11, 2024

1. Home for a Future King Marker

Inscription. Following the death of Richard, 2nd earl of Salisbury in 1471, the castle was granted to Richard, duke of Gloucester (1452-1485), who later became King Richard III.

The future king resided at the castle for periods between 1471 and 1483, as he held the position of sheriff of Cumberland. His role was to secure the county against the Scots and keep feuding local families under control.

Richard carried out alterations at the castle, transforming it into a suitable residence. Large windows, probably to light private apartments, were inserted in the raised external wall opposite you. A new gatehouse, located behind you, and a tower, which once stood to your right, were also constructed at this time.

It is likely that service and storage rooms were located on the ground floor of the castle, with the principal apartments on the first floor. The rooms labelled on the plan are based on the 1565 description of the partly decayed castle.

After Richard became king, the castle remained Crown property, but it was not used again as a permanent residence. Surveys from the mid-16th century describe the castle as partly decayed.

After

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brief use during the Civil War in 1648 as the headquarters for the parliamentarian general John Lambert, the castle was further dismantled. Various farm buildings and a house were cleared from the site before Castle Park was laid out in 1920.

Erected by English Heritage.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Forts and Castles. A significant historical year for this entry is 1471.

Location. 54° 39.729′ N, 2° 45.442′ W. Marker is in Penrith, England, in Cumbria. It can be reached from Ullswater Road. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Penrith, England CA11 7JQ, United Kingdom. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in North West England.

It is also in British Border Reivers Country.

Globally, it is on the Atlantic Ocean,

in the North Atlantic Region,

in Europe,

in Atlantic Europe,

on one of the British Isles,

in the Western World,

and in the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Roman Empire.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Right on Track (within shouting distance of this marker);

Photographed by Ray Gurganus, April 11, 2024

2. Home for a Future King Marker

Welcome to Penrith Castle (within shouting distance of this marker); Penrith Castle (within shouting distance of this marker); The Board & Elbow (approx. 0.3 kilometers away); Great Dockray (approx. 0.3 kilometers away); A Long Tradition (approx. 0.3 kilometers away); Sign of the Times (approx. 0.4 kilometers away); A Bustling Market Town (approx. 0.4 kilometers away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Penrith.

Credits. This page was last revised on April 29, 2024. It was originally submitted on April 28, 2024, by Ray Gurganus of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 138 times since then and 9 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on April 28, 2024, by Ray Gurganus of Washington, District of Columbia. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.