Rockcliffe Castle

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Rockcliffe Castle was purpose built by Lord Dacre ‘for the readiness and defence of all services.’

The steward at Rockliffe was in charge of readying a fray at short notice and acted as a sort of passport control, where no Scotsman could pass beyond without licence.

Rockcliffe was of such importance to the English West Marches in the 16th century that its steward was described as key to ‘all the safety of the West part of the wardenry.’

The castle was constructed in 1522 by Sir Christopher Dacre and in 1603 was used to jail the notorious prisoners – ‘Robsey’ Robert Graham and Richard ‘Arthur’s Richie’ Graham.

Rockliffe castle was demolished around 1659 with the stones from the building being used in the construction of the Old Hall in the village.

While no remains can be seen of the old Castle today, there is a thousand-year-old Norse cross near the church of St. Mary’s.

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