Pendragon Castle

Pendragon Castle in the Yorkshire Dales at Outhgill, was built in the early 1100’s, particularly to defend against the Scottish threat who wanted to regain their territories of Cumberland and Westmorland. It is believed the castle was built by Ranulph Meschines, 3rd Earl of Chester, in the reign of the Norman King Rufus.  The castle has a notable Norman Keep in line with similar castles nearby. Following the Scottish attack in 1541, the castle became uninhabitable. Lady Anne Clifford, who was determined to restore the Clifford dynasty, rebuilt the castle in 1660.  As with her other properties she added the necessary domestic buildings such as a brewhouse, bakehouse, stables, and a coach house.Following her death in 1676, the castle was broken up and elements sold off, subsequently falling into disrepair. Unlike similar castles this did not come under the Ministry of Works but was sold privately and remains in the hands of private landowners today.  It remains a Grade I listed building and is open to the public for viewing. Be mindful this is a permissive historic site and sheep roam freely amongst the ruins.Romantic legend has it that the castle was built by King Arthur’s father, Uther Pendragon.  There is no evidence at all to support this old medieval theory.