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Penrith was once the capital of Cumbria. With its central position above the northern Lake District and adjacent to the Northern Pennines, it is easy to see why. The attractive town is the hub of the Eden Valley. It is an important shopping centre with a good mix of traditional shops and sophisticated arcades, where such items as famed Penrith toffee and fudge, traditional Cumberland Sausage and intriguing local crafts – the work of local artists and craftspeople – are to be found.
Penrith has a rich history. It was in the ninth and tenth centuries when it became the Capital of - a semi-dependant state which, until 1070 AD formed part of the Kingdom of Scotland and Strathclyde. There is controversy as to the origin of the town’s name. Some say its Celtic, meaning “ford by the hill”. The hill in question is dominated by a beacon and tower, built in 1719 of red local sandstone, which today characterises much of the town.
The imposing ruins of Penrith castle lay claim to an intriguing history. It was begun in 1399 when William Strickland, later to become Bishop of Carlisle and Archbishop of Canterbury, added a stone wall to the earlier Pele Tower. The castle was improved and added to over the next 70 years, becoming a Royal fortress for Richard, Duke of Gloucester. Although Richard was Guardian of the West Marches and Governor of Carlisle castle, he often chose to reside in Penrith.
A legendary giant and King of All Cumbria, is said to be buried in the giant’s grave in St. Andrew’s Churchyard in Penrith. Legend has it that the giant was Ewan Caesarius, who came to power in the fifth century. Famed as a slayer of monsters, men and beasts, the four hogback stones surrounding his grave are said to represent wild boar he killed in nearby Inglewood Forest.
In the middle of the town is Market Square – its central feature, the monument and clocktower built in 1861 to commemorate the death of Philip Musgrave of Eden Hall. The Penrith Tourist Information Centre and Museum are housed in the former Robinson’s School, an Elizabethan building which was altered in 1670 and used as a school until the earl 1970’s. in its present form, the building is the ideals starting point for those planning to explore Penrith.
The town of Penrith has much to offer the visitor in terms of recreational pursuits and attractions. Castle Park, for example, is a delightful setting for tennis, bowls, crazy golf, pitch and putt and includes a playground and paddling pool for younger children. With a wide range of accommodation from luxury hotels to cosy bed and breakfasts and delightful self catering cottages: a great variety of restaurants and pubs, make Penrith the ideal location for a short break or the perfect base for a holiday in the beautiful district of Eden.
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