This week we thought that we'd take a look back at one of the west coasts most interesting historical sites. 

The place has been a major landmark of our area for many a century and a massive focal point of our local history. 

Muncaster Castle, situated near the small town of Ravenglass, is now a popular tourist and visitor attraction. 

But the castle and it's grounds are steeped in a rich and vibrant history dating back to the medieval era. 

Here at the News & Star we thought we'd take a look at Muncaster Castle and help you to understand what makes this place so special. 

We have also shared some fascinating photographs with you, showing the amazing times members of our community have had whilst visiting the castle. 

As we are now reaching the peak of the summer months it may be the perfect place for you and your family and friends to spend a wonderful sunny day. 

The castle itself is a Grade I listed building and it gained it's name sometime during the 15th century although the place itself is still older than this. 

The grounds of the castle overlook the Esk Valley and the fells that surround the area. 

Rather remarkably the castle is still owned by the Pennington Family who have lived on the grounds for around 800 years. 

The current generation help with the daily running of the castle and welcoming visitors to the venue. 

Muncaster is famous for having a jester which they still have to this very day. This will peak each year with a competition celebrating Tom Foolery. 

Tom Fool was actually a jester at the castle a number of years ago and is strongly tied to Muncaster itself. 

There is also a ghostly history to the castle and many people go on ghost tours particularly around Halloween time as there are rumoured to be ghosts in the castle.