West Range, Lowther Castle, Penrith, Cumbria: Archaeological Desk-Based Assessment

Prior to the submission of a planning application for proposed developments within the west range of Lowther Castle, Penrith, Cumbria, Greenlane Archaeology was commissioned to carry out a desk-based assessment of the site. This is intended to identify whether there are any known archaeological remains within the site and what the potential is for as yet unknown archaeological remains to be present. The work for the project, including a site visit, was carried out in July 2025. The site primarily comprises the west range of the Castle, which includes a substantial walled area actually to the south-west of the core of the castle as well as the west wing of the castle itself. The wider area has archaeological and historical evidence for activity from the prehistoric period onwards, although there is relatively little evidence before the early medieval period nearby. An important collection of carved stones of 8th to 10th century date found at the church suggests that there was a significant site there, perhaps a monastery. The origins of the village of Lowther are less certain but there was something in existence by the 12th century and the Lowther family have been associated with it from that period. The site becomes dominated by the development of Lowther Castle from the later part of the medieval period onwards, with the buildings going through several phases of development. The west range apparently includes elements constructed in the late 17th century, which were later encapsulated into the later range of buildings. The contents of the castle were sold in the early 20th century and the building became a roofless ruin, the land subsequently being used by the military and for forestry. More recently it has seen substantial restoration, which has cleared much of the woodland from the former gardens and consolidated the remains of the castle. The desk-based assessment identified 13 known sites of archaeological interest within the study area. Those located within the proposed development, specifically including the castle and potentially also elements of the deserted medieval village, might be affected. The significance of the castle is rated, the potential for other, as yet unknown, sites is presented, and a consideration of the potential disturbance and impact of the proposed development is given as well as recommendations for further archaeological work.