Rose Castle, Cumberland

Historical Description

Rose Castle, the seat of the Bishop of Carlisle, in the centre of the N of Cumberland, on the river Caldew, 7 miles SSW of Carlisle. An ancient castle, which gave name to it, was the halting-place of Edward I. in 1300 in his progress against Scotland, was burnt by the Scots in 1322 and 1337, and was dismantled by the Parliamentarians in the Civil Wars of Charles I. The present edifice was originally a renovation and extension of the ancient pile; was so frequently altered in different styles by successive bishops, as to lose its pristine character; was all reconstructed in good taste by Bishop Percy, after designs by Rickman and Hutchinson, in the 18th century; has an elegant interior, and stands amid terraced and finely-wooded grounds. An old keep, called Strickland's Tower, built about 1400, stands a little apart.

Land and Property

The Return of Owners of Land in 1873 for Cumberland is available to browse.