More information : (NY 10485059) Wolsty Castle (NR) (Remains of) [NAT] (1)
Wolsty Castle was built to protect the Abbey of Holm Cultram from attack by the Scots. Attacks in 1216 and 1322 are quoted but no date of construction is given. The castle had permit to crenellate in 1348. It presumably surrendered in March 1537 as part of the Abbey possessions. The castle appears to have been in ruins in the 15th century, and in 1663 the building material was taken to Carlisle. All that now remains is a wide and deep moat, surrounding an area 65 x 60 yards. A large block of masonry lying on the northern side shows that the curtain wall was at least seven feet thick. A gap in the foundations on the western side may mark the entrance. (2-3)
A medieval chapel mentioned in the manor rolls as being at Wolsty, was probably situated in the castle, although a comprehensive survey of the castle of 1572 fails to mention it. (4)
Resurveyed at 1:2500. (5)
(NY 10485059) Wolsty Castle NR) (site of) (NAT) (6)
NY 104506. Wolsty Castle, scheduled. (7)
Wolsty castle was constructed during the first half of the 14th century to defend Holme Cultrum Abbey and was ruinous by 1572. Repair work was carried out in the 1630s, but by the latter half of the 17th century the castle had been demolished. There are earthwork remains of a dry moat and traces on the island of building foundations and robber trenches. There are are two upstanding blocks of masonry showing that the castle's walls were over 2m thick. (8)
Demolition date of 1652 given by Cathcart King. (9)
Documentary evidence records the castle as consisting of a tower, curtain walls, gatehouse, hall, courtyard ranges and a moat. (10)
The site of the castle and moat was seen and mapped from air photographs. (11-12) |