Born in January 1590, Lady Anne Clifford was the only surviving child of George Clifford, 3rd earl of Cumberland, Champion to Elizabeth I and a great sailor who fought against the Spanish Armada. He left the Skipton estate to his wealthy brother but his daughter, Lady Anne, contested that and, supported by her mother, won the lawsuits which followed. It was she who negotiated with Oliver Cromwell for permission to have the castle rebuilt after the Civil War. She is remembered for her many good works and the restoration of churches and castles throughout the north. There is even a 100 mile long distance footpath named after her: Lady Anne's Way, from Skipton to Penrith, passing by many of the castles she owned.
The present entrance to Skipton Castle is known as Lady Anne's Steps, part of a Tudor remodelling.
The inner Tudor central court is known as the Conduit Court, because it was to here that the piped spring water supply was delivered. The windows were added in the 16th and 17th centuries along with the new entrance and a new Tudor wing beyond the watch towers, which is now a private residence.
Cleaning personnel are so hard to come by now I would not venture to own a sweetie shop let alone half a dozen castles to be knocked down and rebuilt after the scourge of Cromwell's fanatical Roundheads!
ReplyDeleteI would love to explore that place one day!
ReplyDeleteI just think it's beautiful, I love historical buildings.
ReplyDeleteWell now, the story of Lady Anne sounds like the making of a good historical novel. Or maybe there already is one? Thank you so much for your beautiful photos, rain or shine, day in, day out.
ReplyDeleteThe buildings have been kept in a beautiful condition. Interesting historical story too.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful!
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