Gleaston Castle: Digital Discovery

Gleaston Castle is a hidden gem, tucked away near the village of Gleaston. Its origin and history is uncertain. Some historians believe it was built in the early 14th century as a response to the Scottish raids, while others claim it came decades later, as a status symbol for the Lord of the Manor. By the mid-1500s records describe the castle as a ruin.

It is classified as a Grade I listed building and a scheduled monument (nationally important). It’s protected from development or destruction and is currently on the Heritage at Risk register

Today, only three of the four original towers survive, connected by a boundary wall. This wall is known as the curtain wall, usually built for defensive purposes, to keep people out of a property. Throughout its history the site has never been fully recorded in detail…until now! Some in-depth digital digging has led to some exciting discoveries…

Seeing beneath the soil

A geophysical survey provided the opportunity to build on discoveries made through an aerial survey, exploring the archaeological features buried beneath the ground.

The latest high-tech aerial technology has been used to capture photographic data of a local Furness castle ruin, helping local historians understand and record this important site for future generations.

Examination of the results revealed garden features, collapsed and now buried walls (including the remains of the curtain wall and north east tower), and evidence of possible structures within the courtyard.

Capturing a view from above

Detailed aerial photographs taken of the castle have provided a unique view of the site and highlighted features that can’t be seen with the naked eye. Over 600 overlapping images were used to create this 3D model and detailed photographs called orthophotos were taken of the towers and walls. These helped to identify how the castle was first built and examine the damage caused by vegetation.

Gleaston Castle by aerial-cam on Sketchfab

Gleaston Castle South Tower

Gleaston Castle South Tower

Gleaston Castle

Gleaston Castle

Aerial photograph of Gleaston Castle 3

Aerial photograph of Gleaston Castle 3

No Comments

Start the ball rolling by posting a comment on this page!

Add a comment about this page

Your email address will not be published.