Millom Castle is an ancient building at Millom in Cumbria. It is a Grade I listed building and scheduled ancient monument.[1][2]
History edit
A manor on the site was granted to Godard de Boyvill, owner of the Manor of Millom, in around 1134.[3] The manor came into the Hudleston family's ownership in around 1240 when de Boyvill's granddaughter married into the Hudleston family.[4] John Hudleston was given a licence to crenellate in 1335.[3] The great tower dates from the 16th or perhaps 17th century.[5][6][7]
The Hudlestones took an active part in England's regional warfare. In the Wars of the Roses, Sir John Hudlestone fought on the Yorkist side, being present at the Battle of Blore Heath in 1459, and also the Battle of Bosworth Field in 1485. In 1460 Millom Castle was captured by Lancastrian forces. After the accession of Henry VII, Sir John and his son Henry secured a pardon and retained the estate.[8] In the English Civil War of the 1600s, Sir William Hudlestone was a leading Royalist colonel in Cumberland and Lancashire. He was defeated by Parliamentarian forces, and Millom Castle damaged by cannon fire in 1644. Heavy fines exacted by victorious Parliament began the slide of the Hudlestons into debt.[9]
By 1739 the castle walls were in dilapidated condition.[10] In 1748, Elizabeth Huddleston sold the castle to Sir James Lowther of Whitehaven.[11] The gatepiers were added in the 17th or 18th century.[12][13] The great tower is now used as a farmhouse.[5]
Architecture edit
The stone building has ashlar dressings and slate roofs. The east side has a gatehouse and 17th-century steps. The west side has a pointed entrance. Various barns and outhouses have been attached to the north and west sides. It has the remains of a moat to the north and west.[7]
See also edit
References edit
- ^ Historic England. "Millom Castle (1086619)". National Heritage List for England. Retrieved 18 March 2020.
- ^ Historic England. "Millom Castle (ruined portions) (1007126)". National Heritage List for England. Retrieved 18 March 2020.
- ^ a b "Millom Castle". Matthew Pemmott. Archived from the original on 2 January 2014. Retrieved 19 January 2011.
- ^ "Millom Castle". Visit Cumbria. Archived from the original on 2 January 2014. Retrieved 19 January 2011.
- ^ a b "Millom Castle". historicengland.org.uk. English Heritage. Archived from the original on 14 March 2016. Retrieved 19 January 2011.
- ^ "Millom Castle". Castles Forts Battles. Retrieved 18 March 2020.
- ^ a b "Millom Castle". Gatehouse. Archived from the original on 25 March 2016. Retrieved 18 March 2020.
- ^ Warriner, Frank The Millom District: A History 1974 pp20 ISBN 090413105X
- ^ Warriner, Frank The Millom District: A History 1974 pp23-25 ISBN 090413105X
- ^ "The north-east view of Millum castle, in the county of Cumberland". Print, uncoloured engraving. Samuel and Nathaniel Buck, 1739, reprinted by Hudson Scott and Sons, Carlisle, Cumberland, 1877. Archived from the original on 5 September 2012. Retrieved 19 January 2011.
- ^ Taylor, Rev. Samuel The Story of Millom Old Church p21 ISBN 071401611X
- ^ "Gatepiers to east of Millom Castle". National heritage List for England. Historic England. Retrieved 18 March 2020.
- ^ "Gatepiers to north-east of Millom Castle". National Heritage List for England. Historic England. Retrieved 18 March 2020.