Dalton-in-Furness tourist guide (From The Westmorland Gazette)

Dalton-in-Furness tourist guide

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Dalton-in-Furness is an old settlement mentioned in the Doomsday Book as Daltune.

THe original town was almost hidden in a narrow valley out of the convenient reach of the sea and ship-bourne raiders.

For a considerable time in the Furness history, Dalton was the chief town and administrative centre. Dalton Castle stands above the town, built to defend the people of Dalton and the approaches to Furness Abbey. It is now a National Trust property.

The castle was built in stages between the 1330s and 1350s, perhaps in response to a series of Scottish raids earlier that Century. There was a great raid in 1322 under the leadership of Robert the Bruce when much of Furness was devastated.

The castle was changed several times before undergoing its most radical alteration in 1856. It served as a courthouse and dungeon for Furness Abbey. After the dissolution of the monastery in 1537 the Castle passed through several hands, eventually resting with the Dukes of Buccleuch.

It was the 8th Duke who presented the Castle to the National Trust in 1965. A National Trust guidebook is available and there is an exhibition celebrating the life and work of George Romney, the renowned portrait artist, who is buried in nearby Dalton Church.

From Easter to the end of September between 2pm and 5pm, Dalton Castle is open to the public on Saturdays, free of charge (Donations welcome). For enquiries telephone Mrs A. V. McCreith (01229)-463293.

South Lakes Wild Animal Park- Broughton Road, Dalton-in-Furness is billed as the ultimate interactive animal experience with rhinos, giraffes, lions, tigers, bears, lemurs, kangaroos and more.