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The castle stands on a bold elevation, strong by nature,
between the Derwent and the Cocker, where it was built soon
after the conquest, by Waldieve, first lord of Allerdale. It
forms an irregular square, inclosed by strong walls, and
defended at the entrance by a portcullis, drawbridge, and
moat. On each side of the gate-way leading to the interior
court is a deep dungeon. The south-west front, of which much
still remains, stood on the brink of the precipice above the
rivers, where appears to have been the state-room, and other
apartments in the great tower. Under this tower is a vault
thirty feet square, lighted by a small grated window, and
approached by a descent of twelve steps, the roof upheld up
by a single octagonal pillar, which branches out into ribs
supporting the groining. This castle was kept in repair till
the civil war, when it was reduced by the Parliamentarian
forces and dismantled; since then it has lain in ruins, with
the exception of the gate-house and the court-house at the
east angle, which are kept in repair for the occasional
residence of the lord of the manor. There is a bowling-green
within
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