In the early 18th century, the village was acquired by the Earl of Westmorland.

It was built in 1430 by the Neville family (see Earl of Westmorland) but was never completed.

They were parents to Charles Neville, 6th Earl of Westmorland.

Ralph became Earl of Westmorland in 1484 and both creations remained merged with that earldom.

They had an only son, Ralph, 3rd Earl of Westmorland.

He was the great-grandfather of Thomas, the 8th Earl of Westmorland.

They were parents to Francis Fane, 1st Earl of Westmorland.

In 1397, Ralph Neville had been created Earl of Westmorland.

Served as domestic chaplain to his cousin the Earl of Westmorland.

Fane also succeeded a distant cousin and became 8th Earl of Westmorland in 1762.