Bowes Castle, Bowes (Yorkshire )

The impressive ruins of Henry II's 12th-century keep, on the site of a Roman fort.

Summary 13th century buildings (or older)

Introduction

The impressive ruins of Henry II's 12th-century keep, on the site of a Roman fort guarding the approach to strategic Stainmore Pass over the Pennines.

History to the present day

The castle was probably built by Alan, Earl of Richmond, soon after the Norman conquest of 1066 on a site which overlooks the location of an old Roman fort. It was involved in considerable conflict over the centuries and was probably first besieged as early as 1173 by King William of Scotland, when it appeares to have suffered such extensive damage that it required rebuilding in 1187.

 Enemies of King John besieged the castle again in 1216, and it was also attacked 1322 as a result of a regional feud between Henry Fitzhugh and the then Earl of Richmond. The castle keep still stands as testimony to the strenth of the geographical position of the castle and the high quality of the 1087 construction and 1173 reconstruction.

Bowes is positioned on the Roman road through Stainmore which led to Cataractonium on the other side of the pennines and it seems that the castle was constructed on the foundations of the Lavatrae Roman Fort. The remaining ruins consist of the keep surrounded on two sides by the remains of an original inner moat as well sparse remains of the original bailey wall.

Arrival information and how to find us

Address: Bowes Castle, Yorkshire , , United Kingdom

Opening times: All year: Any reasonable time

Admission prices:

Adult:Free

Children:Free

Concession:Free

Photographs copyright English Heritage Photographic Library.