Pendragon Castle, Mallastang, Cumbria
N 54° 25.895 W 002° 20.302
30U E 542919 N 6031742
The ruins of a castle sited between the River Eden and the B6259 between Nateby and Outhgill in Cumbria
Waymark Code: WM4AEE
Location: United Kingdom
Date Posted: 07/29/2008
Views: 34
According to legend Pendragon Castle was built by Uther Pendragon, the father of King Arthur. The legend goes on to say Uther Pendragon and a hundred of his men were killed here when the Saxon invaders poisoned the well. There are also claims that the Romans built a fort here, along the road between their forts at Brough and Bainbridge. There is no real evidence that there was any building here before the Normans built their castle in the 12th Century.
The castle was built in the late 12th century, probably by Hugh de Morville. Like the nearby castles of Appleby and Brough, Pendragon came into the possession of the Clifford family. It was abandoned after a raiding Scottish army set fire to the castle in 1341, but was rebuilt in 1360. It was left in ruins by another fire in 1541, but was restored in the mid 17th century by Lady Anne Clifford. The castle gradually fell back into ruin after her death - and now remains a romantic ruin, set in glorious scenery.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Pendragon castle is on private land. Access is permitted, but care must be taken - it is in a potentially dangerous condition despite some recent restoration.
Accessibility: Full access
Condition: Completely ruined
Website: [Web Link]
Admission Charge?: Not Listed
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