SHEFFIELD CASTLE

West Riding of Yorkshire

The proud Steel City of Sheffield has not preserved its heritage of old particularly well.  The two Cathedrals (Catholic and Protestant) are amomgst the few sizable structures in the City pre-dating the Industrial Revolution.

However, buried in a cellar accessed by a back door of the Castle Market is what remains of the Castle that it takes its name from.

This was a 12th century structure built by the Talbot Earls of Shrewsbury.  It's plan is really not very clear as all that remains today is a corner tower, although in living memory part of the curtain wall also existed towards the River Sheaf.  The Castle was the home of Mary Queen of Scots for 14 years guarded by the 6th Earl.

In the Civil War the Castle was garrisoned for the King and endured a long siege being captured and slighted by Major-General Crawford.

Precisely how bad the slighting is hard to say as so much damage has occurred since.  It is nice to know that this little bit still remains and is being well-cared for though.  It must surely be one of the most unusual Castles to visit - not many others are entirely contained in one room!

An appointment must be made to visit with Castle Markets Ltd.

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2001