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Dalton Castle

Dalton Castle

Dalton Castle stands at the upper end of Dalton's High Street. The rectangular tower was built from in the early 14th century on the site of an earlier stronghold. The story goes that a raid by Scots under Robert the Bruce caused such damage to lands owned by powerful Furness Abbey that the abbot decided that a strong defensive structure was necessary. He ordered a tower built, and Dalton Castle is the result.

It is a simple structure, of the type known as a Peel Tower. This type of tower was very common in the north of England, and developed as a way to counter the threat of invasion by the Scots to the north. Dalton castle is an almost perfect rectangle, measuring 30 feet by 45 feet. It stands three stories tall, and is surmounted by a simple parapet. After the threat of Scottish invasion diminished, the castle served as a courthouse and a prison.

The castle is owned by the National Trust, and has very limited weekend opening hours. The interior features a display of medieval armour and exhibits on the history of the castle and nearby Furness Abbey, as well as details on local artist George Romney.

Location map for Dalton Castle

Nearest Hotels to Dalton Castle

Ambrose Hotel - 0.7 miles away Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria Stay from: £52.00

Abbey House Hotel - 1.5 miles away Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria Stay from: £75.00

Infield Hotel - 2.1 miles away Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria Stay from: £Check availablity for discounted prices

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