Muncaster Castle

The Pennington family

Muncaster Castle, home to the Pennington family for 800 years.  The castle evolved from the Pele Tower, built to repel marauding Scots.  The land was granted to Alan de Penitone in 1208. Fifty years later a castle was built by Gamel de Mulcastre.

In 1464 Sir John Pennington gave shelter to Henry VI, wandering after the Battle of Hexham.  Legend tells how Holy King Harry on his departure left his drinking bowl behind in gratitude, saying that as long as it should remain quite whole and unbroken the Penningtons would live and thrive in the place. Today the bowl is still intact and is known as the 'Luck of Muncaster'.

In 1783 there was a vacancy in the Irish Peerage and the fifth Baronet was created first Baron Muncaster.

Muncaster Castle - Official Website - New website with some great features including virtual tours and history of Muncaster Castle.

Muncaster Castle, Gardens and Hawk and Owl Centre

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