This country house has belonged to the Lowther family, latterly the Earls of Lonsdale, since medieval times. Wordsworth’s father was the land agent for James Lowther, 1st Earl of Lonsdale. The present building—the one described by Wordsworth—is a castellated mansion built by Robert Smirke between 1806 and 1814. Due to financial difficulties, this building was closed in 1937, and its roof was removed in 1957. Efforts to restore the castle and its gardens are ongoing. Photo: Simon Ledingham, geograph.org.uk.