It was originally built in the twelfth century by Walter de Lacy along with other castles in the area along the Welsh border; it then became the property of one of Edward l Crusaders, John de Verdon who passed it on to his granddaughter’s husband, Bartholomew de Burghersh. Their son, Thomas fought on the side of Richard ll, and when the king was dethroned Thomas lost all his estates including Longtown Castle. The Neville family were the final owners, and now the castle is looked after by English Heritage.