Knaresborough Castle

Knaresborough Castle, Knaresborough, North Yorkshire

Knaresborough Castle is situated overlooking the River Nidd in North Yorkshire. The ruins belie its importance as a royal castle, which is still part of the Queens estate in the Duchy of Lancaster. The castle is divided into an inner and outer ward protected by a curtain wall. Though much of the curtain wall and buildings were demolished during the civil war.

Of the Outer Ward, the East Gate and its towers survive and the grove for the gateway's portculis can still be seen. Also in the outer ward are two sallyports, these were hidden tunnels used to gain entrance to and from the castle. The inner ward of the castle contained the keep, well, kitchens and great hall. The courthouse contains the oldest surviving parts of the castle, dating from around the 13th century.

The Kings Tower is the main structure left of the castle and was built in 1307-12 on orders from King Edward II. The cellar, which is architecturally unique in Britain has a single central column branching into 12 ribs that support the floors above. It was later turned into a dungeon and prison during the Civil Wars.

The castle was first mentioned in the Pipe Rolls of 1129, when a sum of £11 was spent on behalf of Henry I by its custodian Eustace Fitz-John. The castle has a strong royal connection, it is linked with the muder of Archbishop Thomas Beckett. It was said to have also been one of the favorite castle of King John. The East Gate was ordered to be built by Edward I and Edward II also made improvements to the castle. In 1331 the castle passed into the hands of the House of Lancaster, though played no part in the Wars of the Roses.

During the Civil War the Castle was a Royalist stronghold and was besieged by the Parliamentarian Army, after a four month seige the castle surrended in 1644. In 1646 it was ordered by Parliament that Knaresborough Castle by made untenable and most of the castle was demolished at this time. The Kings Tower was in the process of demolition when the townspeople petitioned the king so that it could be used as a prison.

The Castle site is open all year round, but the historic elements of the Castle are closed in Winter.
2005 - reopens Friday March 25 - 30 September, daily 10.30am - 5pm
Guided Tours at 11.30am, 2.00pm, 3.00pm & 4.00pm (Included in admission price)

Admission to the Castle & Museum

Adults - £2.50

(Photographs ©2003-2008 Ryewolf)