Thomas, 2nd Earl of Lancaster, commissioned the castle. Building began by May 1313 and was probably complete by 1322, under the mason Master Elias, possibly Elias de Burton. A license to crenellate was issued in 1316. John of Gaunt expanded it in the 1380s. The infobox lists it as an Edwardian castle, with a Great Gatehouse influenced by Harlech and Northumbrian rectangular towers.
The facing is sandstone from Howick with a basalt rubble core. The curtain walls enclose 9.96 acres (4.03 ha). The Great Gatehouse was originally about 79 feet (24 m) high.
Roof lead and timber were removed in the 1520s. Sir Arthur Sutherland placed it under state guardianship in 1930. The National Trust owns it, English Heritage manages it, and it is Grade I listed.
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