Lady Anne Clifford

A pioneering woman of great determination and energy, Lady Anne Clifford played a major part in shaping Appleby in the 17th century.  The daughter of the Earl of Cumberland, she inherited her father's estates and began a programme of restoration, which included a series of castles from Skipton, in Yorkshire, to Brougham, near Penrith in Cumbria. It was Appleby Castle, which became her favourite home. As well as restoring the castle she gave generously to the refurbishment of the town's churches and her memorial stands beside that of her mother in St Lawrence's Church in Boroughgate. 

Tours of Appleby Castle are available.  Tickets can be booked online or bought at the Grounds Hut on the Gate.

The Countess Pillar located on the A66 near Brougham Castle commemorates Lady Anne's last parting with her mother.  

A statue of Lady Anne Clifford stands in front of the Upper Eden Visitor Centre in the town.

Lady Anne Clifford Westmorland Heritage Trail

When Lady Anne Clifford was living at Appleby Castle, during the 17th Century, she became concerned with the welfare of the poor widows of the town. 

So, in 1651 she had built a group of Alms Houses (St Anne's Hospital), in Boroughgate for the accommodation of thirteen widows. The houses are still occupied today and the Chapel in the courtyard may be visited.

St Lawrence's Church

The parish church of Appleby was founded shortly after the castle. Although it was badly damaged by the Scots in 1388, the church was rebuilt and later restored by Lady Anne Clifford in the mid 17th century.