An attractive market town, originally built around a network of gates through which the townspeople would herd their livestock. It was in the 9th century that the town of Penrith became the capital of Cumbria, a semi-independent state which, until 1070 AD, formed part of the Kingdom of Scotland and Strathclyde. Penrith boasts a myriad of sights including a large, imposing Norman church, a 13th century castle set in a municipal park with sporting amenities, a beacon set atop a pine clad hill overlooking the town, numerous historic houses and coaching inns with connections to Bonnie Prince Charlie, Richard III, Wordsworth, Anthony Trolloppe and Samuel Plimsoll.