Pontefract Castle
Pontefract is thought to have been built by Ilbert de Lacy in the late 11th century. It became part of the Duchy of Lancaster and then Crown property when Henry of Lancaster became Henry IV of England. His predecessor Richard II was first imprisoned and then murdered at Pontefract in 1400. The Earl of Warwick kept Edward IV prisoner at Pontefract, in 1469. He managed to escape.
Richard when Duke of Gloucester paid many visits to Pontefract after 1471 in pursuance of his duties as Chief Steward of the Duchy of Lancaster north of the River Trent. This was an office conferred on him by King Edward IV in July 1471. He also came to Pontefract several times as King, in 1483 and 1484. In 1483 Pontefract was the scene of the beheading of his enemies Earl Rivers, Sir Thomas Vaughan and Richard Grey.
Pontefract Castle was besieged four times during the Civil War and was finally slighted, at the request of the citizens of Pontefract, after being taken by the Parliamentarians for the second time.
The castle is on a hill, the inner bailey being on top and the outer bailey extending down the hill. The walls are mostly 12th century. The mid-13th century shell keep, 60 feet in diameter, is known as the Round Tower and is at the south-west corner. There is an inner and outer barbican to the east. Other buildings survive, such as the Swillington Tower, the Paper Tower and, in the southwest wall, the chapel. In the middle of the bailey are some chambers excavated in the solid rock, formerly used as an ammunition store and allegedly as the scene of Richard II's murder.
During the 19th century the grounds housed a liquorice factory. Later it was used as a public park, with tennis courts. More recently, archaeological excavations have taken place in the bailey.
Owned by the local authority. Open to the public. Free admission.
Mary O'Regan
