View from Clitheroe Castle

Image: © Marathon Taken: 30 Aug 2018

The Norman castle on the promontory overlooking Clitheroe was built by the de Lacy family about 1100. Its original purpose was to defend the cross Pennine trade route through the Ribble-Aire gap. The keep, which is now ruined, was one of the smallest in England, but at various periods there were other structures on the site, including the Chapel of St Michael, a jail, a courthouse, and a gatehouse. Clitheroe Castle was a military stronghold and an administrative centre. A battle was fought here against an invading Scottish army in 1138 and it is believed that King Henry VIth was imprisoned in the castle during the Wars of the Roses. By 1602 the castle was described as 'very ruinous' but was refortified during the Civil War. Prince Rupert stayed here in 1644 but the garrison fled after Rupert's defeat at the Battle of Marston Moor. In 1919 the site was purchased from Lord Montague by the people of Clitheroe to serve as a memorial to those of the town killed in the Great War. It provides fine views over Clitheroe and the hills beyond.

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