Post by 2e0edx on Jan 14, 2007 11:07:32 GMT
Originally fortified in the Reign of King Stephen (1135-54). A licence to crenellate was granted in 1327 to the Abbot and Convent of Furness and the visible remains probably date from that period. Dismantled 1403 and partly rebuilt circa 1429, The castle was ruinous by 1537. It was renovated in the mid C19. The monument is an enclosure castle consisting of a keep, gatehouse, inner and outer baileys, an inner and outer moat, curtain walls and towers. Excavations and survey in 1983-4 produced very few remains of medieval occupation, but showed that there was more than one building phase. Cobble rubble with red sandstone dressings. Incomplete 3-storey keep now of 2 long cells with north gatehouse; east side collapsed. Inner defence on 2 sides has gatehouse to west and corner towers. Less complete outer bailey with section of wall and freestanding towers linked by mound and ditch. Keep: chamfered plinth; offset diagonal buttresses and mid-point buttresses; pointed, 2-light windows originally with quatrefoils. Vaulted gatehouse has moulded, pointed arch with clinging figure carved on keystone; hexagonal clasping buttresses. Internal spiral stair to left is lit by slits each side of the buttress; wall bows out at another spiral stair on right return. Projection at south-east corner has different floor levels. Vaulted look-outs at corners of parapet. Inner defence: 2-storey west gatehouse with pointed arches and 2 flights of steps against wall to north; north-west tower is 5-sided. Furness Abbey engaged in much trade through Piel Harbour and fortified this site soon after the Scottish invasions of 1316 and 1322. The castle provided a secure warehouse for contraband goods including Flemish wool. Henry IV briefly took possession but not before the abbots had the roof stripped to ensure the King did not install revenue men. In 1487 Lambert Simnel and an army of mercenaries landed at Piel intending to dethrone Henry VII; their march ended in defeat at the Battle of Stoke.
The ferry runs every weekend from Roa Island throughout the summer, starting at Easter time and ending around early autumn depending on the weather. Ferry crossings usually start around 11am and the last one back from Piel is around 5.30pm. Arrangements for out of hours crossings can be made via the ferry man John Cleasby, telephone 0779 9761306, anyone wishing to enquire about camping can leave a message with John which he will pass on to Mr and Mrs Scarr.
The island can also be accessed via a walk across the sands when the tide is out, this must never be attempted by a novice as the sands can be treacherous help from a guide must be sought. Regular walks are organised through a local guide, to find out more about this contact Barrow Tourist Information.
The Blackpool local amateur radio group intend activating from the island/castle in the summer of this year.