Lowther Castle, Cumbria. Archaeological Evaluation

Following consultation with Sheppard Robson Architects and Lowther Estates, the Lake
District National Park Authority was asked to produce a brief (Appendix 1) for
archaeological evaluation at Lowther Castle, in order to inform planning and listed
building consent applications due to be submitted to the Lake District National Park
Authority. In response to the brief, OA North produced a Project Design (Appendix 2), in
accordance with which all work was carried out. The site of the proposed development lies
at NGR NY 5220 2383 (Fig 1), within the bounds of the ruined castle at Lowther. The
castle is located to the south of Penrith, and lies between the villages of Great Strickland to
the east and Askham to the west.
The programme of archaeological evaluation allowed for the excavation of nine trenches
(Fig 2). Five of the trenches (A, B, C, H and I) were positioned to the south of the extant
castle or Lowther III (Smirke’s Castle), within an area of disused chicken sheds, whilst the
remaining four (D to G) were within the footprint of Lowther III (Fig 3). Trenches A, B, C,
H and I were positioned to examine the presence or absence of archaeological remains that
might be related to the preceding structures to Lowther III (Lowther I and II). Trenches DG
were positioned to examine the survival of both Lowther III remains and any earlier
buildings relating to Lowther II.