heritage of kirkby stephen...

Kirkby Stephen Town Trail

Informative trail around the town centre that takes in the Market Square, church, old cloisters, the ‘bull ring', Charter Stone, Trupp Stone and Frank's Bridge - a 16th century packhorse bridge. Leaflet available from the Tourist Information Centre.

Kirkby Stephen Parish Church

One of the finest churches in the county and known as the Cathedral of the Dales. The church contains many old and unusual stones - one being a stone carving of Loki (the Norse god of mischief) bound in chains. The stone has lost it's age but the latest dating bears out that it dates from the Danish settlers in the area traditionally known as the Vikings. The carving represents Christianity overcoming evil and is unique to Britain. The church contains chapels devoted to the Wharton and Musgrave families.

Wharton Hall

Once the family seat of the Wharton family. The oldest parts date back to the 14th century, with later additions. A massive gatehouse (dated 1559) bears the family coat of arms. It is said that underground passages link Wharton to other halls in the area. The Hall is now a private farmhouse, but can be easily viewed from a bridleway to the west.

Lammerside Castle

This 14th century pele tower was occupied for only 100 years. In Arthurian legend, the castle is known as Castle Dolorous, the home of the giant, Sir Tarquin, who had a habit of eating small boys! An adjacent footpath provides good views of the castle.

Pendragon Castle 

Legend associates this castle with Uther Pendragon (father of King Arthur of the Round Table) who allegedly died after drinking poisoned water from the castle's well. The later Norman castle is thought to have been built by Sir Hugh de Morville (one of the knights who murdered Thomas a Becket in Canterbury cathedral). Over the succeeding years the castle was repeatedly sacked by the Scots and rebuilt several times. The last restoration was by Lady Anne Clifford in 1660, only for one of her successors to demolish it shortly afterwards. The castle is privately owned but can be easily seen from the road.

Brough Castle

Built by William Rufus on the site of a Roman fort, the castle has commanding views over the Eden valley and towards the Pennines. Scottish raiders lay siege to the castle many times and it was in a ruinous state when Lady Anne Clifford rebuilt it in 1662. Not long afterwards in 1666, the castle was gutted by fire and abandoned, with much of the stone taken to Appleby Castle. Open to the public. Free admission.