The Story of…

The Glorious Revolution

At some time between 1183 and 1241, work began on building the castle on Castle Hill, and Castle Howe was gradually abandoned.

In 1788, a monument was put up 'Sacred to Liberty', on the top of the mound to commemorate the Glorious Revolution of 1688.

It became Kendal's first public open space in the 18th century and is well worth a visit for the glorious views over Kendal.

Kendal’s 15th Century Castle

The impressive castle of 1241 on Castle Hill had six towers linked by curtain walls above a deep dry moat.

This must have been an awe-inspiring sight to the folk in the little town below. An early engraving dating from the 15th Century appears on documents now in Kendal museum.

The History of the Castle

For the next two centuries, the Barony of Kendal passed by marriage and inheritance until, at the end of the 14th century, it came into the possession of the Parr family.

These Parrs were a rough and ready northern gentry clan who became the most powerful presence in south Westmorland. They were the feudal overlords, holding authority and power over the people, but they were ambitious for more and were spending increasingly more time at Court.

By 1471, Sir William Parr was Controller of the Royal Household and Captain of the King's Horses and of his bodyguard - a position similar to the Home Secretary and Head of the Secret Services today.

With Kendal Castle as his base, he became rich through land rents and profits from the wool and cloth trade, and buying up yet more land. His son, Sir Thomas Parr, was even more ambitious, spending more and more time at Court and by now often mired in dept, with his castle in Kendal neglected and crumbling and his lands diminishing.

The Parr Family

The Parr family fortunes improved when Henry VIII succeeded to the throne in 1509.

Sir Thomas Parr was created a Knight of the Bath, his debts were cancelled, and he and his family threw themselves into the life of the Court with its lavish feasts, jousts and pageants.

Lady Maud Parr, his wife, became Lady-in-Waiting and lifelong friend to Henry's first wife, Queen Catherine of Aragon.

The Royal Connection

Lady Maud Parr's daughter Katherine, born in 1512, was named after Queen Catherine of Aragon.

The Last Queen of Henry VIII

No one knows where Katherine, her brother William and sister Anne were born.

In spite of long held beliefs and old stories, the future Queen Katherine was not born in Kendal Castle which, after years of neglect, was becoming ruinous and by 1572 it was derelict and left in the hands of the Steward.

More probably the children were born in the house in Blackfriars which Sir Thomas Parr had leased shortly before Katherine was born, or in one of the other properties owned by the family in the south of England.

The Parr Family Importance

Katherine's brother, William, was made Lord Warden and Keeper of the Western marches towards Scotland by the King in 1543, but he hated the cold bleak north and, when he was made first Earl of Essex and then Marquess of Northampton, he went back to Court.

Katherine Parr

Katherine Parr, twice widowed and childless, was married to the ailing Henry VIII in 1543, his sixth and last wife.

Ten years later, Henry was dead, and his 15 year old son Edward VI had also died. Katherine had married the man she had for so long loved, Lord Seymour of Dudley.

In 1548 and within a year she too had died following childbirth.

At this time, her brother William was living the life of a favoured courtier and nobleman, but in 1553 he was involved in the plot to crown Lady Jane Grey as Queen rather than Mary.

When this was discovered, William Parr was arrested and thrown in the Tower, charged with high treason and condemned to death.

The Last of the Parrs in Kendal

The new Queen Mary, perhaps recalling the kindness of her one-time stepmother, Katherine Parr, granted him a pardon and he was freed from the Tower but stripped of all his lands and titles, becoming again plain Sir William Parr and living in debt and poverty.

Kendal Castle and all the Parr estates were forfeited to the Crown, but when Queen Elizabeth I succeeded to the throne she took pity on William. He was reinstated in some of his titles but, until his death in 1571, he never returned to Kendal.

The Decline of the Castle

The old castle gradually became more ruinous, its stone plundered for building in the growing market town of Kendal.

It was the scene, over the years, of many activities: plays and pageants.

Recreation on Castle Hill

Gas filled balloons flew from Castle Hill.

Wartime Usage of the Castle

Local volunteer regiments practiced at the castle.

Holiday Fun on Castle Hill

There was pasche egg rolling at Easter time and much more.

The Castle in New Hands

In 1897, Kendal Corporation bought Castle Hill for 'public enjoyment' to celebrate Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee, but the castle ruins were neglected and unappreciated.

A Heap of Stones

In the 1970s, a town councillor described it as "nowt but a heap of old stones" which should be pulled down rather than spend money on it.

Restoring Kendal Castle

In recent years more enlightened minds decided that the Castle and its hill were a priceless asset to the town.

Grants were obtained for archaeological excavations, consolidation of the crumbling stone work, and information boards

The Green Flag Award

Awarded a coveted Green Flag for excellence, the castle and surrounds are now cared for and enjoyed by residents and visitors alike.

A Place for Enjoyment

Go up Castle Hill today and you will see dog-walkers, joggers, kite flying, and picnics and people just enjoying the space and the magnificent views.

Back to Nature

In summer, you will be deep in a wild flower meadow, and in November there is a spectacular firework display.

Night Time Uses of the Castle

On a moonlit and starry night you might be fortunate enough to share the grounds with members of Kendal's Astronomical Society.

Kendal Castle Today

Once a place of power and authority, Kendal Castle is now here for all to enjoy.