A commemorative gathering has taken place at the historic Countess Pillar near Brougham to mark the 350th anniversary year of the death of Lady Anne Clifford, one of northern England’s most remarkable historical figures.
Lady Anne Clifford, born in 1590, was the daughter of George Clifford, 3rd Earl of Cumberland, and heir to a vast portfolio of northern estates. Following the early deaths of her two brothers, she might have expected to inherit her father’s lands upon his death in 1605. However, in a controversial decision, the estates were instead passed to his brother, Francis Clifford, and his heirs—sparking a long and determined legal battle by Lady Anne to reclaim what she believed was rightfully hers.
Her persistence ultimately prevailed, and the final decades of her life were marked by a remarkable programme of restoration and stewardship. Returning to estates that had fallen into neglect, she oversaw the careful repair of five major castles: Brough, Brougham, Appleby, and Pendragon in Westmorland, along with Skipton Castle in Yorkshire. With a strong respect for their heritage, Lady Anne ensured each was restored sympathetically, preserving their historic character.
The Countess Pillar monument was erected by Lady Anne in 1656 to commemorates the location of her final meeting with her mother, Margaret Clifford, on 2 April 1616, at the gateway to Brougham Castle.
Todays event at the Countess Pillar marks what became an annual tradition established by Lady Anne Clifford in which money was distributed to the poor each year on the anniversary of their parting, by placing money on the low stone next to the pillar—a gesture reflecting Lady Anne’s enduring sense of duty and charity.
Lady Anne spent the last 27 years of her life residing on her northern estates, travelling between her castles and governing them with firm but benevolent authority. As the last of the Clifford line, she played a pivotal role in shaping the heritage of the region.
She died on 22 March 1676 at Brougham Castle, in a room rich with family history, and was laid to rest in the Clifford family vault at St Lawrence’s Church in Appleby.
Today, more than three centuries on, her legacy continues to be celebrated across Cumbria and beyond, with the Countess Pillar standing as a lasting symbol of memory, resilience, and heritage.
Photos and Video by Rebecca Remmer
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