button to main menu   West's Guide to the Lakes, 1778/1821

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Page 183:-
the only way to it when in its glory, and is the easiest at present, he would have observed a square area that had been fortified with a deep moat, and connected with the castle by a draw-bridge, where was probably the base court. The stones are now entirely removed, and the ground levelled, 'and laughing Ceres reassumes the land.' The present structure was undoubtedly raised by the first Barons of Kendal, and probably on the ruins of a Roman station; this being the most eligible site in the country for a summer encampment, and at a small distance from Watercrook. There are still some remains of a dark red freestone, used in facings, and in the doors and windows, and have been brought from the environs of Penrith, more probably by the Romans, than by either the Saxon or Norman Lords. Fame says this castle held out against Oliver Cromwell, and was battered from the Castle-law-hill, but this is not so probable, as that its present ruinous state is owing to the jealousy of that usurper.
from Kendal
  Watercrook
There is a most pleasant morning ride of five miles, down the east side of the river. Watercrook is one mile distant, on the right, close by the side of the Kent. This is the Concangium of the Romans, where a body of the Vigilatores (or watchmen) kept guard, and was the intermediate station betwixt the Dictis at Ambleside, and the garrison at
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gazetteer links
button -- Kendal Castle
button -- "Concangium" -- Watercrook

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