Courtyard castle with rectangular towers, traditional in the north country. Begun in 1375 by Lord Scrope, Chancellor to Richard II.
Castle Bolton,
Leyburn,
Yorkshire,
England,
DL8 4ET
One of the few castles that isn't called "castle"! Built by William the Conqueror in 1086. A steep climb up to the castle. Interpretive panels and a reconstruction model on view.
Tower Street,
York,
Yorkshire,
England,
YO1 9SA
Conisbrough is an imposing 12th century castle said to be the inspiration for Sir Walter Scott's novel Ivanhoe. The castle is set on a natural slope above the Don Valley. In the 11th century Conisborough was owned by Harold Godwinson, later King Harold. The name is a reminder of this royal connection; it is likely a contraction of the Saxon Cyningesburh, or 'King's burh'.
Conisbrough,
Yorkshire,
England,
DN12 3BU
A large and imposing 12th century castle overlooking the market town of Helmsley, on the southern edge of the North York Moors National Park. Helmsley Castle was built in 1120 by Walter Espec, who was also responsible for the founding of nearby Rievaulx Abbey and Kirkham Priory.
Helmsley,
North York Noors,
Yorkshire,
England,
YO62 5AB
A mighty fortress on a rise of land between the rivers Cover and Ure. In the Middle Ages Middleham Castle was the power base of the Neville family. After the Battle of Barnett in 1471 the castle was seized by the crown. The castle was finally slighted (made unusable) during the English Civil War. Today only the keep and castle walls survive to give an idea of how imposing this great fortress must have been in its heyday.
Middleham,
Yorkshire,
England
Established by William the Conqueror, Pickering is interesting primarily because it has changed so little since it was first built. William's wooden motte and bailey was transformed into stone in the 13th century, but that was pretty much the end of the remodeling. A shell keep tops a high mound, surrounded by an inner and outer ward.
Pickering,
Yorkshire,
England,
YO18 7AX
A medieval fortress begun around 1070, Pontefract is best known as the place where Richard II died, probably murdered, in 1399. The castle was one of the most important in the north, and became a royal fortress in 1399. It was later home of the powerful John of Gaunt, son of Edward III. The castle housed a royalist garrison in he Civil War and was eventually destroyed by Parliamentarians in 1644. The most impressive aspect of the castle is the multi-lobed donjon.
Pontefract,
Yorkshire,
England
A huge, stark castle overlooking the River Swale, at the entrance to Swaledale. The fortifications are massively built.
Tower Street,
Richmond,
Yorkshire,
England,
DL10 4QW
Sandal Castle is a motte and baily fortification on the outskirts of Wakefield, Yorkshire. The castle was probably erected early years of the 12th century. Scenes from Shakespeare's play, 'Henry VI', were set at Sandal Castle. The castle was defended by royal troops in the Civil War and destroyed by order of Parliament after the conflict ceased.
Sandal Castle,
Yorkshire,
England
300 foot high ruins atop a headland. The site was alternately fortified by Romans, Saxons, and Vikings before Henry II built the castle you can see today.
Castle Road,
Scarborough,
Yorkshire,
England,
YO11 1HY
Substantial remains of a Norman motte, or castle mound, erected priior to 1086 by Drogo de Beauvriere, Lord of Holderness. Skipsea was one of the first Norman castles in Britain, and it served as the principle residence for the Lords of Holderness before they built a new manor at Burstwick.
Skipsea,
Yorkshire,
England
One of the best preserved medieval castles in England, Skipton Castle was built by Robert de Romille around 1090. The fortress was granted by the crown to the Clifford family in 1310. Skipton was besieged by Parliamentary troops during the Civil War, a siege that lasted for three years before the castle was forced to surrender. It fell into disrepair following the conflict, but was restored by Lady Anne Clifford around 1659. The castle is built around a cobbled courtyard, at the centre of which rises a yew tree planted by Lady Cliford to celebrate the restoration of the castle.
Skipton,
Yorkshire,
England
The remains of a fortified manor house belonging to the powerful Percy family. There was a manor house here as early as the 11th century, but the current castle remains belong primarily to the 14th and 15th centuries. The best preserved parts of the castle are the hall and solar, but the oldest section is the undercroft, which dates to the 13th century and lies beneath the great hall and family quarters.
Spofforth,
Yorkshire,
England
Set in 12 acres of stunning parkland yet only a mile from the city centre stands this 114 bedroom hotel. Close to Chatsworth House, the Peak District and Meadowhall Shopping Centre, the hotel provides a perfect base. Enjoy contemporary dining in the 18/10 restaurant or a lighter snack and cocktail … more >>
Set in an elevated position overlooking the breathtaking countryside of North Yorkshire and Teesdale The Cottage offers 1 double bedroom with ensuite shower room, wash basin and toilet, 1 twin bedroom, separate bathroom with bath, wash basin and toilet, very large sitting/dining room with log fire. Beams throughout the cottage. Fully equipped kitchen.
Patio with garden furniture and far reaching views. Only weekly bookings accepted Christmas & New Year.
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