The History of Dacre Castle

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Dacre Castle is a stunning moated tower house in the village of Dacre. It is situated roughly 4 miles or 6.4km southwest of Penrith, Cumbria, England. It was likely constructed by Margaret Multon against the background of the threat of the Scottish invasion and raids.

The history of Dacre Castle

Dacre Castle is a small citadel in the English countryside that is now rented out as a private residence. It was held in the Dacre family right up until the 17^th century. It is protected under UK law as a grade I listed building.

It has been perfectly renovated into a magnificent home.

The early history

Dacre Castle was likely built in the middle of the 14^th century by Margaret Multon, the wife of Ralph. During the 12^th century and 13^th century, the Dacre family had risen in prominence in Cumbria and William Dacre, Ralph’s father, had acquired a license to crenellate the property of Dunmallogt in 1307, quite close to the future site of Dacre Castle.

Ralph went forth and married Margaret in 1317 and became extremely wealthy as a result of this. Margaret then built Dacre Castle sometime in the 14^th century. She built it with the intention of creating a beautiful, fortified home.

Many tower houses were built within the region during the period in response to the threat of Scottish raids and invasions. There is said to have possibly been an older building already on the site, possibly moated. However, this is still uncertain.

Changing hands

After Margaret passed, the castle continued in the ownership of the Dacre family until the death of Randal Dacre in 1634. At this time, it briefly passed to the crown. By 1675, the castle had unfortunately become derelict and was subsequently restored by Lord Dacre, Thomas Lennard.

A new entrance to the castle was constructed and large, square, 17^th-century windows were installed. After Thomas passed in 1715, the castle was sold to a man by the name of Edward Hassell. During the 18^th century, the castle deteriorated again and became overgrown and dilapidated.

By the 19^th century, the Hassell family began to use it as a farmhouse.

Later on

In 1961, the castle was leased for 22 years by Anthony and Bunty Kinsman for only £1,000. The property required extensive structural repairs as well as renovations to make it somewhat habitable, which the Kinsmans undertook over the next two years. The construction work alone cost over £8,596.

Some financial support was needed, and it was provided by the Ministry of Works in exchange for the castle being opened to the public for the next fifteen years. New, shiny oak doors were fitted with iron hinges to the castle. They had originally been used in the nearby Lowther Castle.

In 1967, the castle was visited by Princess Sharada Shah, the daughter of the King Mahendra of Nepal, as part of an official trip to the UK.

The current day

In the 21^st century, the castle fell into the hands of the Hassell-McCosh family and is rented out as a private home. It is also protected under UK law as a grade I listed building. After careful renovation, it has now become a comfortable and extremely desirable residence.

Dacre Castle Timeline

• 12^th century and 13^th century- The Dacre family has risen in prominence in Cumbria
• 1307- William Dacre, Ralph’s father, acquires a license to crenellate the property of Dunmallogt, quite close to the future site of Dacre Castle
• 1317- Ralph went forth and married Margaret and became extremely wealthy as a result of this
• 14^th century- Dacre Castle is built by Margaret Multon, the wife of Ralph, built with the intention of creating a beautiful, fortified home
• 1634- The castle continues in the ownership of the Dacre family until the death of Randal Dacre
• 1675- The castle, unfortunately, becomes derelict and is subsequently restored by Lord Dacre, Thomas Lennard
• 1715- The castle is sold to a man by the name of Edward Hassell
• 18^th century- The castle deteriorates again and becomes overgrown and dilapidated
• 19^th century- The Hassell family begin to use it as a farmhouse
• 1961- The castle is leased for 22 years by Anthony and Bunty Kinsman for only £1,000
• 1967- The castle is visited by Princess Sharada Shah, the daughter of the King Mahendra of Nepal, as part of an official trip to the UK
• 21^st century- The castle falls into the hands of the Hassell-McCosh family and is rented out as a private home

Dacre Castle facts

• The moat is between 9 metres (30 ft) to 15 metres (49 ft) wide and up to 4.5 metres (15 ft) deep, with a protective bank on the south and west sides
• The design of Dacre resembles Harewood and Langley Castles
• Dacre Castle is protected under UK law as a grade I listed building
• The courtyard originally held various buildings such as stables and offices
• The castle was visited by Princess Sharada Shah, the daughter of the King Mahendra of Nepal, as part of an official trip to the UK

Books on Dacre Castle

• Dacre Castle by E.H.A. Stratton (Publishing year unknown)

Who owns Dacre Castle?

Sometime in the 21^st century, the castle fell into the hands of the Hassell-McCosh family. Now, it is rented out as a private home. It is also protected under UK law as a grade I listed building.

After careful renovation, it has now become a comfortable and extremely desirable residence.

Tourism

Unfortunately, Dacre Castle is now closed to the public as it is rented out as a private residence. However, it is possible to view it from a nearby road.

There are hopes that perhaps the castle will begin tours or open days to allow people a look inside the grounds. Nearby, you can visit Rose Castle, Aira Force Waterfall, Walla Crag Walk, Lowther Castle, Pooley Bridge, and Ullswater.

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