High Head Castle (Highhead Castle) (King's Castle)

Skelton, near Carlisle

Cumbria

England

Historic County: Cumberland

Circa Date: 16th century w/1744-48 alterations

Status: Ruin

Ruined by 1956 fire

House Open to Public: No

Country House: Yes

Earlier Houses: There was a medieval square pele tower house, King's Castle, near the site of the current house.
Architect: James Gibbs

Date of Birth: 1682
Date of Death: 1754
Nationality: English
Notes: Ditchley Park is considered Gibbs's most important country house. The architect is most noted for his famous design for the Church of St. Martin-in-the-Fields, London, a remarkably advanced design for its time, even when examined within the context of continental European design trends. John Wilton-Ely, writing in "The Triumph of the Baroque: Architecture in Europe 1600-1750": "In the history of ecclesiastical architecture, Gibbs's church of St. Martin-in-the-Fields was to prove one of the most influential designs throughout the English-speaking world of Protestant worship."

Date: 1744-48
Designed: Rebuilt House for Brougham family
(Attribution of this work is uncertain)
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Country Life: L, 480, 1921.
House Listed: Grade II*

Park Listed: Not Listed
Past Seat / Home of: Henry Richmond Brougham, 18th century. Hills family, early 20th century.

Current Ownership Type: Individual / Family Trust

Primary Current Ownership Use: Ruinous
House Open to Public: No
Historic Houses Member: No

House, Family & Collections History