Kendal’s first Norman fortification, Castle Howe, was abandoned
in the early 13th century in favour of the new Kendal Castle,
which was constructed by Baron Gilbert Fitz Reinfred, sheriff of
Lancaster, on the old pastoral lands of the somewhat
appropriately named Castle Hill. Oh, all right, maybe the hill
was named after the castle was built. The new location offered
plenty of room for expansion, and the castle rapidly grew. As I
made my way up the hill and around the castle I couldn’t help
but feel that the crumbling remains of the curtain wall and the
outer defensive ditch still look a very formidable defence
indeed, and I was greatly relieved when I finally located the
entrance. Emerging into the massive central courtyard, I was
immediately struck by the scale of this medieval fortified
residence. The most substantial ruins of the once magnificent
Great Hall are complete with vaulted under-croft and the
substantial garderobe tower, which, as the name suggests, once
held the castle toilets. The other substa