Castle Howe was built after the Norman conquest of England, either in 1087 by the Norman nobleman Ivo Taillebois, or by the nobleman Ketel some time after 1100.

[1] The castle was designed as a motte and bailey fortification, with a circular motte 11 m high and 48 m wide at the base, and a curved bailey hugging the ridge alongside it.

[2] The castle was abandoned in the 12th century, either by one Gilbert, or by William de Lancaster.

[1] The bailey was later destroyed when the area was turned into a park.

[3] The remaining earthworks are maintained South Lakeland District Council, with information boards placed at the foot of the motte.