A tiny Norman keep on a limestone knoll in the middle of Clitheroe, said to be one of the smallest stone keeps in England
Open accessfree to visit at any reasonable time
Substantial ruinsruined, but plenty survives above ground
The keep is famously small — a square Norman tower perched on a lump of limestone rock right in the centre of Clitheroe, and often called one of the smallest surviving stone keeps in England. The de Lacy family built it in the 12th century to hold the honour of Clitheroe, a big medieval lordship covering much of this part of Lancashire. There’s not a great deal of the rest left, but from the top of the rock there’s a fine view out over the town to Pendle Hill and the edge of the Forest of Bowland. The grounds are a public park now, free to wander, with a museum in the old keeper’s house at the foot of the crag. An easy stop if you’re passing through town.
More at the National Heritage List entry
