 The Dacre family had risen in prominence in Cumbria during the 12th and early 13th centuries, and William Dacre, Ralph's father, had acquired a licence to crenellate the property of Dunmallogt in 1307, quite close to the future site of Dacre Castle.Ralph married Margaret in 1317, becoming extremely wealth as a result, and received permission to found Naworth Castle in 1335.Margaret built Dacre Castle at some point between Ralph's death in 1339 and 1354, with the intention of creating a fortified home.