The castle was built directly on the foundations of the Roman fort Verterae, which served as a supply base for the Stanegate road system.
The 14th-century keep, known as Clifford's Tower, was heavily damaged by fire during the Scottish raids of 1314 and 1388.
Lady Anne Clifford, a notable 17th-century landowner, undertook extensive repairs to the castle to maintain her ancestral claims.
Archaeological excavations have uncovered Roman coins and pottery within the site, confirming the continuity of occupation from the 1st century AD.
The castle moat, which historically separated the inner ward from the village, is still partially visible in the earthworks.
Brough Castle is the ruins of a 12th-century stone keep built upon the site of the Roman fort Verterae. The castle was strategically positioned to guard the Stainmore Pass, a key route across the Pennines. It features the remains of a defensive curtain wall and a large three-story stone keep. The structure was significantly remodeled in the 14th century by the Clifford family to serve as a fortified residence. Repeated damage during the Anglo-Scottish wars led to multiple phases of destruction and reconstruction. The site is currently managed by English Heritage. It remains an open-access ruin overlooking the Eden Valley. The layout demonstrates the transition from a traditional motte-and-bailey design to a stone-fortified stronghold.
The south side of the site, capturing the remains of the keep framed against the backdrop of the Eden Valley hills.
Wear waterproof footwear as the ground around the ruins can become muddy and uneven.
Combine your visit with a walk along the nearby River Belah for views of the castle from the valley floor.
Bring a picnic, as there are no food vendors on-site.
Attempting to climb the upper levels of the keep, which are unstable and off-limits.
Stay within designated pathways and do not climb on the loose masonry of the ruin walls.
