Brough Castle

Starkly impressive Brough Castle stands on a ridge commanding strategic Stainmore Pass, on the site of a Roman fort.

Frequently the target of Scots raids, its towering keep dates from about 1200, and more comfortable living quarters were later added by the Clifford family, only to be accidentally burnt following a 'great Christmas party' in 1521.

Like so many other castles in the area, Brough was restored in the 17th century by Lade Anne Clifford, traces of whose additions can still be seen.

St Michael's Parish Church, in pretty Church Brough near the castle, displays an exhibition about the region.

Brough Castle, at the upper end of the Eden Valley, is a spectacular medieval ruin on the site of the Roman fort of Verteris. The earthworks around the castle represent an 11th-century castle laid out on the alignment of the Roman ditches and walls. The inner ward of the castle was lined with stone walls, representing the present monument. The tall late 12th-century keep, the D-shaped Clifford's Tower and the 14th-century hall range stand almost to their full height.