Lowther Castle

About

Lowther Castle has been occupied by the same family since 1150 - admittedly in several different buildings. The current castle was commissioned in 1806 by the 1st Earl of Lonsdale, and designed by the architect Robert Smirke - the man responsible for great civic buildings like the British Museum in London. However, the 5th Earl’s unrestrained spending depleted the family fortune and the estate was abandoned - its roof was stripped to avoid paying taxes, and the castle’s decorations and fixtures right down to the door knobs were sold off to repay outstanding debts. Today, the shell of the magnificent manor still stands, its 365 room replaced by charming gardens. The surrounding grounds are also slowly being reclaimed, not just for gardens, but outdoor activities including England’s largest wooden playground. In the new stable gallery, The Story of Lowther exhibition recounts the castle’s history in relationship to its times. For more information, please visit lowthercastle.org