Greystoke, Cumbria

Flower Delivery to Greystoke with Clare Florist

Greystoke is one of the earliest villages and castles in Cumbria, founded by Ivo de Greystoke, grandson of the local Saxon chieftain Ligulf de Greystoke in 1069.  The castle site saw towers and fortifications built throughout the centuries, and William de Greystoke obtained a Royal License to castellate the structure in the 14th century.

The castle and the massive Pele Tower became part of a chain of fortifications along the Scottish border. Building continued until Greystoke Castle was destroyed during the English Civil War in 1648.  It was rebuilt, enlarged and altered after that time, incorporating some of the remaining older structures including the ancient Pele tower.

Tragedy struck Greystoke Castle again in 1868 when it was ravaged by fire and Cromwell’s forces, causing the loss of dozens of treasures and artwork. It was once again rebuilt, and eventually the castle and estate served as a tank driver training ground and POW camp in World War II. These activities damaged the property once again.

In 1950, the estate passed to Stafford Howard and began another period of restoration. Howard’s son Neville manages the estate now. The castle itself is not open to the public but serves as a site for weddings, corporate events and other private occasions. It is not visible from most roads, but boasts amazing views of the mountains, lakes and northern Pennines.

The estate itself is over 3000 acres in size and was historically a deer park and sporting estate. Some of the dry-stone deer wall still stands today, fully 10 feet in height. The terrain is hilly and rises to 1200 feet above sea level in some places. In all, 18 generations of de Greystokes and 14 generations of Howards have lived at Greystoke.

The village of Greystoke consists of 17th century cottages, cobbled forecourts, a village green and a market cross dating to the early 1600s. The town lies just 5 miles west of Penrith on the outskirts of the Lake District National Park. St. Andrew’s Parish church dates to the 13th century. The Boot & Shoe public house and the Cyclists’ Café round out the rest of the village.

The 14th Baron Greystoke, who castellated Greystoke in the 1400s, is buried in the chancel of the parish church. Ancient stained glass windows and a massive nave from the original church remain. In the modern village of Greystoke, life moves at a slower pace. However, many art and craft classes are taught regularly at the Cyclists’ Café, including botanical and flower illustration, painting, stone carving and more.

Looking to send flowers to Greystoke? A wide selection of stunning floral arrangements are a mere mouse click away (or tap of a screen) with Clare Florist.  We have a variety of arrangements perfect for every occasion, including birthdays, anniversaries and holidays. We provide beautiful flowers by next day delivery to Greystoke and surrounding areas.

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