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SIZERGH CASTLE Location: OS ref SD 498879 Sheet 97. Off the A591 and A6, about 2.5mls/4km S of Kendal.
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Sizergh castle is one of the best houses in Cumbria, now in the care of the National Trust, but occupied by the Strickland family for 750 years. Originally built around 1239 and 1340 as a peel tower by Sir Walter Strickland, it received many additions and improvements over the next 400years or so. A wing was added to the tower in the C14 or C15, and another two in the C16.
The Royalist Strickland family moved out of the house during the Civil War, but the Roundheads were under orders not to damage it. Later on in the 1600's it was again left unoccupied for a short period. The Castle has not had an eventful life and is therefore well preserved, although it may have been in poor condition during the Stricklands' absence in the late C17. The interior of the Castle is well known for its elaborate decorative wooden Elizabethan carvings and an impressive staircase.These decorations are considered the best in the whole of the UK. The gardens are also regarded as some of the best in the county, and feature the largest limestone rock gardens owned by the National Trust. About 2mls away is Levens Hall, another fine old house with some splendid topiary gardens. Both should be visited when in the area.
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