Countess Pillar, Brougham, Cumbria
This commemorative pillar and alms table were built in 1656, but bear the date 1654. It marks the place where Lady Anne Clifford, Countess of Dorset, bade farewell to her mother Margaret on 2 April 1616, at the gateway to Brougham Castle. Soon afterwards, Margaret died and, in her memory, Lady Anne built this pillar. She was particularly close to her mother, who was her only support during a long inheritance battle. Lady Anne was born in 1590 at Skipton Castle and was the only surviving child of George Clifford, the 3rd Earl of Cumberland. When her father died his estate went to her uncle but Anne knew this land was rightly hers. Highly intelligent and determined, she refused to compromise over the dispute, which she eventually won in 1643 after 29 years. This site is now in the care of English Heritage (2010). Find out more
