SKIPTON CASTLE

West Riding of Yorkshire

Skipton is one of the most glorious of all England's Castles, although it is nigh on impossible to get a good photograph of anything other than the Gatehouse (above)!

The Castle was founded by Robert de Romille around 1090, a few traces of his original remain, but most of the work dates from when the Clifford family came to own the property (see Brough, Brougham, Appleby and Pendragon all in Westmorland for more Clifford Castles).

Robert de Clifford received Skipton in 1310, but died four years later at Bannockburn, so his son, Roger, probably finished the bulk of the Castle, including the magnificent Gatehouse.  Roger lost his life for supporting the Earl of Lancaster's rebellion against Edward II, but the Clifford's kept their properties.

The keep is unusual in England, as it follows the Edwardian concentric style of Edward I's Welsh Castles and is even more remarkable for the ancient yew tree which grows up in the centre courtyard.

The Clifford's kept the Castle in the family continuously right up until fairly modern times.  They briefly lost the Castle during the Wars of the Roses but were reinstated by Henry VII upon his final victory.  During Henry VIII's reign a range of buildings was added (in 1535) by the Earl of Cumberland.

Skipton withstood a mighty siege in the Civil War, eventually surrendering in 1645.  It was slighted, but not severely and was repaired, like all the Clifford Castles, by Lady Anne Clifford during the Commonwealth.  Unlike Brough, Brougham and Pendragon, Skipton has survived in much the same condition Lady Anne left it in on her death in 1676 (Appleby also survived well, but was altered in the 18th century).  It was Lady Anne who added the word "Desormais" over the Gatehouse (the Clifford motto; "Henceforth").

Skipton Castle is open all year around and is one of the top Castles of England for number of visitors - with good reason.

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