Penrith Castle

Or part of Penrith Castle which was granted to the Duke of Gloucester in 1471. He later became Richard the Third (haven't they just found his remains in some car park down South?) The future king resided at the castle for periods between 1471 and 1483. He held the position of Sheriff of Cumberland and his role was to secure the country against the Scots and keep local feuding families under control.
The castle had various alterations during its lifetime and Richard transformed it into a suitable residence adding large windows (seen on the picture) which were to light private apartments - surely there must have been some sort of glass those days as you wouldn't want the full force of the Cumbrian weather hitting you through those spaces. You can see the difference in types of stone in the additions. Lovely clear sidelight lasted only for about ten minutes. I was lucky enough to be passing at the time. It seems to get a few visitors but never seems very busy. It is quite extensive and sits in an elevated position just above British Rails new monstrosity of a car park and Macdonalds - I'm lovin' it.