Middleham Castle Middleham North Yorkshire

Located in Middleham village which is a few kilometres from the dales this splendid castle is a great historic ruin. For nearly 900 years Middleham Castle has served as Wensleydale's breathtaking eastern gateway. Its story is a long and complex one, which saw it change hands and shape on numerous occasions. Today it stands ruined, with much of its stoned used to build the surrounding village. However, its power to inspire awe in its visitors has never left.

Construction began in the vicinity late in the 11th century, after Alan de Ponthievre (aka Alan the Red), one of William the Conqueror's most devoted followers, was granted land here. De Ponthievre promptly built a motte-and-bailey castle (which can still be seen today) 500 yards south of the future Middleham site, on what was to become known as William's Hill. Sometime before 1086, he gave the castle to his brother Ribald, whose grandson, Robert Fitzranulph, is believed to have started work on the new stone version. This began in the 1170s when the castle's substantial keep was erected. Although now damaged, it's one of the largest surviving keeps in England today, with 12-ft-thick walls, three floors and a total height of 66 ft.

The next chapter in the history of Middleham began a hundred years later, in 1270. With no male heir, the castle passed by marriage into the de Nevill (later to become Neville) family, to whom it would belong for the following three centuries. Its best-known proprietor during this time was Richard Neville, Earl of Warwick, known as the "Kingmaker" due to his influence on the reigns of both Henry VI and Edward IV during the War of the Roses. Warwick was also the richest man in England outside of the royal family and his immense wealth saw Middleham inherit a number of upgrades, including the addition of an extravagant clerestory above the Great Hall. Warwick was killed at the Battle of Barnet in 1471 and the castle was subsequently awarded to Edward IV's brother Richard, Duke of Gloucester, who was later to become King Richard III. These years marked the castle's most influential stint and it became a power centre for the north of England, while earning a reputation as one of the country's strongest fortresses. It was also to be the birthplace of Richard III's only legitimate son, Edward Plantagenet, who also died here aged 11. After Richard's short reign as king came to an end, the castle was seized by Henry VII and remained in royal hands until 1604. A long list of owners followed and the castle later fell into disrepair, before finally receiving some much-needed renovation in the late 20th century.

Despite its depleted state, the remains of Middleham Castle still tower high above its namesake town. The castle's ruins are vast and varied, and much fun can be had exploring them. The old keep can be scaled via a new wooden staircase (the original one having long since disappeared) and the summit offers beautiful views of the local Yorkshire hills. A gift shop and an exhibition centre are both on hand, the latter of which houses more information on the castle's past owners, as well as a replica of the stunning Middleham Jewel.

A number of special events are held at the castle grounds during the summer months. They include re-enacted battles complete with knights in full armour and live musical performances conducted entirely with medieval instruments.

More info on Middeham Castle