Penrith
Penrith, the capital of the independent kingdom of Cumbria until 1070, is situated at the
junction of two former Roman roads and has been a place of strategic importance since
pre-Christian times. It was the easy access from the north and south that brought the Romans
to Penrith, and the ruins of the nearby Roman fort of Brocavum were used by the Normans
as a foundation for Brougham Castle. A second castle, Penrith Castle, was built
in the 14th century as a means of defending the town from marauding Scots, who regularly raided
the town until the 16th century.
At the northern end of Penrith is Beacon Hill, upon which a beacon was lit to warn the people of impending raids on the town.
Penrith, with its winding streets and yards, has links with William Wordsworth, who stayed with his grandparents in the town while attending the school of Dame Birkett.
Penrith is the gateway to the north eastern corner of Lakeland, just a short distance from Ullswater, where visitors can travel the lake on the steamers which call in at nearby Pooley Bridge.