PONTEFRACT CASTLE

West Riding of Yorkshire

Pontefract was often referred to as "The Strongest Castle in the North" - a remarkable claim when it is considered what competition it would have had for that title.  It seems a surprising thing to call the shattered ruins that remain today, but closer inspection reveals the size of the ruins; and a little mental reconstruction can provide  picture of a truly massive structure.

The first Castle was built by Ilbert de Lacy soon after the Norman Conquest.  The de Lacys lived here until 1311 and the bulk of the building work is theirs, including a very odd keep which is basically circular but with projecting bastions at seemingly random angles.  A large section of curtain wall (pictured above) has also survived.

The de Lacys lost the land to Thomas, Earl of Lancaster in 1311 who became powerful enough to challenge his cousin, Edward II.  However, after the Battle of Boroughbridge in 1322 Earl Thomas was brought back to Pontefract a defeated man and summarily executed here.  This could be seen as a precursor to the later Wars of the Roses.

Richard II, one of the most famous victims of the Wars of the Roses, was imprisoned at Pontefract Castle and died either from deliberate starvation or just plain neglect.  Once Richard III was defeated Pontefract became less important as a fortress and was used as a prison.

It's glory came in the Civil War - along with its destruction.  It was besieged an incredible three times; firstly in 1644 when the Royalist garrison were relieved by an outside force.  The Roundheads came back again the following year and after three months gained the Castle.  In 1648 when the Royalists rose once more Pontefract was re-garrisoned and held its position for six months with Oliver Cromwell himself arriving to take charge of operations.  The Castle did not surrender until Charles I had been executed and the cause was lost forever.  After all the trouble Pontefract Castle had caused them the Roundheads were exceptionally thorough in slighting the Castle reducing it to the sad remains left today.

The Castle is open to the public during the summer months and Pontefract Museum has many finds relating to the history of the Castle.

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2001