Anglotopia Podcast: Episode 28 - What's it like to own a castle? History and Heritage with Peter Frosting-Pennington - Steward of Muncaster Castle

Anglotopia Podcast

What’s it like to own a castle in England? This week we talk to Peter Frost-Pennington, husband of the owner of Muncaster Castle in Cumbria, England. He shares the history and attractions of the castle. The castle is located in the Lake District National Park and is known for its strategic location on the coast and its connection to the Roman Empire. The castle has been in the Pennington family for over 800 years and has been open to the public as a tourist attraction since 1968. The castle also houses the Hawk and Owl Centre, which specializes in owls and other birds of prey. The castle is also famous for the 'Luck of Muncaster,' a Venetian glass bowl given to the family by King Henry VI as a symbol of protection. Muncaster Castle is a living legend with a rich history and connection to the UK's heritage. During World War II, the castle served as a safekeeping place for Britain's national art treasures. The castle is also known for its diverse habitats and wildlife conservation efforts, including the preservation of endangered species like vultures. The castle has American connections, with John Paul Jones spiking cannons in the nearby port of Whitehaven during the American War of Independence. Muncaster Castle is also famous for its ghosts, including a crying child, a white lady, and Thomas Skelton, the Fool of Moncaster. Join us as we explore all this fascinating history and get a portrait of what it’s like to live in a castle in the modern age!

Links

• Muncaster Castle Official Website
• My Visit to Muncaster in 2018
• Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway
• Lake District National Park
• Visit Cumbria

Takeaways

• Muncaster Castle is a medieval castle located in Cumbria, England, on the edge of the Lake District National Park.
• The castle has been in the Pennington family for over 800 years and has been open to the public as a tourist attraction since 1968.
• The castle is known for its strategic location on the coast and its connection to the Roman Empire.
• The castle houses the Hawk and Owl Centre, which specializes in owls and other birds of prey.
• The 'Luck of Muncaster' is a Venetian glass bowl given to the family by King Henry VI as a symbol of protection.
• Muncaster Castle served as a safekeeping place for Britain's national art treasures during World War II.
• The castle is known for its diverse habitats and wildlife conservation efforts, including the preservation of endangered species like vultures.
• Muncaster Castle has American connections, with John Paul Jones spiking cannons in the nearby port of Whitehaven during the American War of Independence.
• The castle is famous for its ghosts, including a crying child, a white lady, and Thomas Skelton, the Fool of Muncaster.

Sound Bites

• "Muncaster Castle is a fabulously romantic and very strategic place."
• "Muncaster Castle is recognized as the start of the Hadrianic or the Roman frontier."
• "The Pennington family originally lived in the Roman bathhouse, which is now part of the castle."
• "Well, it's a lovely, it's a living legend and that's what makes this place so special."
• "We've actually got a lock of his hair in this very room."
• "We got the contents of the Tate Gallery. And we've had a local gentleman who's done a lot of research on this lately and found a lot more that we didn't know."

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction to Muncaster Castle and its Owner
• 05:04 The Roman Connection and Ancient Origins of Muncaster Castle
• 07:49 Accommodation and Experiencing the Peace of Muncaster Castle
• 12:05 The Transformation of Muncaster Castle into a Place of Entertainment
• 22:57 The 'Luck of Muncaster' and its Significance
• 28:38 Muncaster Castle: A Living Legend and UK Heritage
• 32:38 Running a Heritage Attraction in the UK
• 37:34 Living in a Fishbowl: Balancing Home and Tourist Attraction
• 41:59 Honoring the Past, Looking to the Future
• 48:15 American Connections: John Paul Jones and Muncaster Castle
• 52:33 The Ghosts of Muncaster Castle: Legends and Hauntings