Bowes Castle DL12 9HP
Entry: Free for everyone
Open: seasonal - check website
Dogs: on leads

About:
Bowes Castle was built between 1171 and 1187 on the site of the Roman fort of Lavatris.
The Roman fort can be traced for most of its perimeter.
It was constructed to guard the strategic route known as the Stainmore Pass, and was occupied from the late 1st century AD to the late 4th century. The importance of this route and the crucial defensive position of the fort were recognised by Henry II who built the keep in the north-west sector of the fort.

The castle was originally a possession of the Honour of Richmond but came into the ownership of the Crown when Earl Conan died without male heirs in 1171. King Henry II lost no time in strengthening a castle so vital for the defence of the kingdom against a Scottish invasion, which did in fact occur in 1173–4.

Bowes was besieged by the army of King William of Scotland which immediately retreated when Geoffrey, Archbishop of York, approached with a relieving army. No further expenditure on its fabric is recorded after 1187, and, as the keep is the only part of the castle that still stands, the history of the rest is obscure.
Parking:
Free parking at Furness Abbey 15-20 minutes walk away

Facilities:
None on location
nearby village has a pub and toilets

Notes:
The rubble pathway to the castle is unsuitable for wheelchairs.

Contact:
Website: www.english-heritage.org.uk
Tel: 0370 3331181