Countess Pillar

Countess Pillar is a 17th-century stone monument near Eamont Bridge and Brougham in Cumbria, in the north-west of England. It stands beside the A66, about two miles east of Penrith, on the stretch between Penrith and Appleby. It looks modest from the road, but behind it lies one of the more touching family stories from English aristocratic history.

What does Countess Pillar commemorate?

The pillar was set up by Lady Anne Clifford, Countess of Dorset. It marks the spot where, on 2 April 1616, she said goodbye to her mother, Margaret, at the gateway to Brougham Castle. It was the last time they parted: her mother died roughly a month later. Anne erected the monument in 1656, nearly four decades after that day, which shows how vividly she still remembered the moment and how much she wanted it fixed in stone.

Who was Lady Anne Clifford?

Anne Clifford is remembered as a woman who spent many years fighting to inherit the Clifford family estates after her father's death. Sources disagree on how long the dispute lasted: English Heritage speaks of 29 years and a victory in 1643, while Historic England describes a struggle of around forty years. Her mother was among the few people who backed her claim. In later life Anne restored several northern castles, Brougham among them, and she died there in 1676.

What does the monument look like?

The pillar stands about 4.3 metres tall. Sundials are set into three faces of its cube-shaped section, and heraldic shields of the Clifford family face the road. The inscription records the monument's erection and Anne's wish that money be given to the poor of the parish in memory of her mother. A flat stone close by marks where alms were handed out each year on the anniversary of that final meeting. The monument was therefore more than a sign of grief; it was a lasting act of charity.

Can you visit Countess Pillar?

According to available information, the pillar is not open to the public from 2026 to 2030. Check the current status with the site's managers before travelling. Because it sits beside a busy road, it has traditionally been a short stop rather than a full-day destination. It pairs naturally with a visit to nearby Brougham Castle, which is closely tied to Anne Clifford's life.

Frequently asked questions

Where is Countess Pillar? Near Brougham and Eamont Bridge in Cumbria, about two miles east of Penrith on the A66 towards Appleby.

When was it built? In 1656, commissioned by Lady Anne Clifford to remember her farewell to her mother in 1616.

Can I go in? From 2026 to 2030 the monument is not accessible to the public, so confirm current details before your visit.

Why does the pillar have sundials? They are part of its design: they appear on three faces of the cube-shaped section, alongside the Clifford heraldic shields.