SKIPSEA CASTLE

East Riding of Yorkshire

Considering how poor the other mottes in the East Riding are, Skipsea is even more remarkable. The motte is large, but the most notable thing is that the bailey is bigger still and separated from the motte by a very large amount of land.  The explanation for this is that the area in between was once marsh - excavations having revealed a wooden causeway from the Castle's entrance to the motte.

The Castle was built before 1086 by Drogo de Bevrere, a Flemish knight who arrived with the Normans.  He was banished in 1086 for murdering his wife and the Castle was passed to the Counts of Aumale.  It later became the property of William de Fortibus who rebelled against Henry III who had the Castle demolished afterwards.

Recently the remains of a harbour which once serviced the Castle were found; suggesting that although short-lived Skipsea Castle was once a very important Castle indeed.

The impressive earthworks are owned by English Heritage today and are accessible at any time.

Back to Castles of the East Riding

© Text copyright - Raving Loony Productions, Andrew J. Müller and Roy Barton
© Photos and Artwork - Andrew J. Müller and Roy Barton
© Web Design and Layout - Andrew J. Müller
2001