Gazetteer of
British Place Names

Scaleby Castle is a mediæval castle near Scaleby, Cumberland. It was originally built in the early 14th century following a license to crenellate granted in 1307 to Sir Robert de Tilliol. The structure is a rare example of a quadrangular castle in the north-west of England, surrounded by a complete circular double moat. Some of the oldest parts were constructed using red sandstone taken from the nearby Hadrian's Wall. When the male Tilliol line died out in 1435 the castle then passed by marriage to the Colville family. They rebuilt much of the castle in the late 15th century, including remodelling the pele tower, the great hall and the gateway, complete with a polygonal barbican. The pele tower formed a substantial fortification, about 40 feet by 30 feet across, with three floors and thick walls. The Musgrave family acquired the castle in the 15th century by marriage, and Sir Edward Musgrave rebuilt the south range of the castle in 1596. Sir Edward was a strong Royalist supporter during the Civil War and declared for the king. In February 1645, Parliamentary forces besieging nearby Carlisle also besieged and eventually seized Scaleby Castle, causing considerable damage. Edward recovered the castle, but in 1648 he again took up arms on behalf of the king. This time the castle immediately fell to Parliamentary forces, who set fire to it. Sir Edward was heavily in debt so he sold the castle after the war to Richard Gilpin, who began restoring it. Later, after falling into disrepair, the castle was restored again in the 19th century by Rowland Fawcett to form a country house. The property remains a private residence and is not open to the public, though it may occasionally open for fundraising events. The castle is surrounded by 2½ acres of gardens featuring borders, roses, and the ancient moat walk. It is within the council area of Cumberland.
Historic England Grade I Listed 1311782.

Place Type: Mediæval Castle
Historic County: Cumberland
Lat, Long: 54.953671,-2.8617302
Grid Reference: NY 4491 6245
Civil Parish: Scaleby CP
Council Area: Cumberland CA
Police Area: Cumbria PA

GBPN ID: 319931
Entry Type: Main listing (P)
URL: https://gazetteer.org.uk/place/Scaleby_Castle,_Cumberland_319931

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