18/05/2026
Lady Anne's Highway can be reached easily from our doorstep and the scenic ruins of Pendragon Castle (pictured) are a short drive. They are just some of the walks and attractions enjoyed by our guests.
Gentleman Jack was a strong woman but Lady Anne Clifford was even more remarkable. Her story is one of incredible determination and great strength: she went through a 40-year legal battle to claim the castles she was due to inherit, and at the age of 60 started a restoration programme that lasted 30 years!
Her father died when she was young, followed by her brothers. As the only surviving child she expected to inherit the vast family estates in Northern England, according to a 14th century entail. But the lands were passed on to an uncle, then cousin. She researched her birthright and judges agreed that the Skipton properties should be hers, yet her uncle clung on. A later ruling gave her the chance to decide which half of the family's estate she wanted but still she refused to give in, even when King James pleaded with her to accept the ruling. In 1643 her cousin died.
After a 40 year battle, 2 unhappy marriages, the civil war and a stint in London, Lady Anne Clifford was finally able to claim the five castles, including Skipton Castle and Pendragon Castle. At the age of 60 (at a time when life expectancy was much shorter), she started an incredible programme of restoration of her castles which lasted three decades.
Unusually at the time, her mother had believed it was important for Lady Anne Clifford to be well-educated: she became known for her wit and intelligence. She wrote three wide-ranging volumes of Clifford family history and kept extensive diaries which have given great insights into the life of a noblewoman from times when women's voices were less heard. She was known for her independent spirit, refusal to adopt the latest fashions and her management style has been described as 'benevolent despot'... She was also philanthropic, building almshouses and restoring churches.
There's a 100 mile walk from Skipton to Penrith called Lady Anne's Way, passing by her castles at Skipton, Pendragon, Brough and Brougham. In the Yorkshire Dales the route goes through Grassington, Buckden and on to Hawes.
Photo: Pendragon Castle - Paul Harris