Piel Castle was built in the early 14th century by John Cockerham, the abbot of the nearby Furness Abbey, at the time a powerful Cistercian abbey. It was built to oversee trade with the Isle of Man, then another Cistercian stronghold. It helped to defend against Scottish raids, which were common at the time.
The castle fell into neglect during the 16th century, following the Dissolution of the Monasteries. It remained a sea and wind battered ruin until the 19th century, when the Duke of Buccleuch, its owner, carried out major restoration works. Today it is managed by English Heritage.