Discovering Gleaston Castle

Event details

10 August 2019, 1.30 - 4pm

Gleaston Castle is a 14th century ruined enclosure castle, nestled in a valley north of the village of Gleaston near Ulverston in south Cumbria. It is thought to have been built in the 1320s-1330s as the primary seat of the de Harington family and the caput of the large manor of Muchland by John, first Baron Harington of Aldingham (c1281-1347.). It continued as the Harington seat until 1458 when the last of the Harington line died and the barony passed by marriage to the Bonvilles of Devon, after which it fell to ruin. Nevertheless it remains remarkably well preserved, with three towers and parts of the curtain wall standing to full height. The building is unique in design and unusual in both its scale and construction. Much about this strange building remains a mystery.

The visit will be led by Neil Whalley, son of one of the present owners of the site, who has researched the castle and manor. It will include a tour of the inside of the courtyard where we can look at building in more detail as well as a history of both the castle and the manorial landscape in which it sits. 

Following the tour of the castle we will take afternoon cream tea at Dusty Millers in the neighboring Gleaston Water Mill.

Please note that the castle is located on a working farm, please be aware of animals and farm vehicles. No dogs are permitted on the visit as there may be sheep in the field. Please also note that the castle is on private farmland, there are no pathways and the ground is undulating in places.

Multiple bookings
As long as there is space on the event, we usually allow you to book for both yourself and a guest. When completing the booking form, you will be asked to select the number of people and put in your own details on the first page, then to put in your second person's details on the next page. The event fee shown on each of these pages is for the individual person - you will be shown the total amount due once you get to the summary page.

About SPAB in the North
The SPAB in the North Group covers Cumbria, Durham and Northumberland was established in Spring 2015 by Dearbhail Keating. Before this the Group had operated as SPAB in the North West under Elaine Blackett-Ord. To date we have enjoyed a variety of visits, from tours of beautiful houses such as Blackwell, to site visits on live projects such as Warwick Bridge Mill and even practical days of lime pointing and plastering.

Booking Terms & Conditions

Accessibility: please contact the Group Organiser before booking to discuss any special access requirements.