 Armathwaite Castle was built in the 15th century on a strong point along the west side of the River Eden by the Skelton family.Although the precise date of its construction cannot be ascertained it was most probably constructed by John Skelton in 1445, during the reign of Henry VIII, at whose court John Skelton was the poet laureate.The Skelton family appears to have been a well known family, being the representatives of the county and the city of Carlisle at the parliament.