Middleham Castle
Construction of the imposing keep and the original bailey of the castle began in 1170, by Robert Fitzrandolph, during the reign of Henry II. The keep contained a chapel, great chamber, kitchen, dovecot and cellars.
From the top of the keep the earthworks of an earlier wooden motte-and-bailey castle, constructed in the 11th century, can be seen 500 yards to the south-west.
Stone curtain walls replaced the original timber palisade bailey during the 13th century, enclosing garrison quarters, stables and stores. The towers were added in the 14th century. The castle became home to the most powerful lords during the 15th century, including Salisbury, Warwick, and Richard, Duke of Gloucester – later King Richard III.
Following Richard’s death at the Battle of Bosworth, during the War of the Roses, Henry VII became the first Tudor king and the castle became his. The castle fell into disrepair under the Tudors.
During the English Civil War the castle was used as a prison and, in 1646, Parliament ordered the destruction of the east range wall, along with most of the wall-walks.
After falling into disrepair much of the stone from the castle’s walls was used in construction of houses in and around Middleham.
The site is owned and operated by English Heritage, and special events are organised at the castle during the summer months.
