Kirkoswald Castle is a medieval fortress in Cumbria built from locally quarried red sandstone. Originally licensed to crenellate by King John in 1201, the castle was destroyed and rebuilt during Scottish raids in the 14th century before being expanded significantly in 1485 with the addition of a moat. Following dismantlement between 1610 and 1688, a single monumental tower remains standing some 60 feet high. The castle site, located on farmland with visible moat traces, can be accessed via a nearby public footpath, though the dangerous ruins require caution when viewing.
