Conisbrough Castle, Conisbrough (Yorkshire )

Stone keep of 12th century castle made famous by Walter Scott's Ivanhoe.

Summary 13th century buildings (or older)

Introduction

One of South Yorkshire's best surviving examples of medieval military architecture, with a reinstated roof and floors, this 12th-century castle is a spectacular structure. Built of magnesian limestone, it is the only example of its kind in Europe, and was one of the inspirations for Sir Walter Scott's classic novel, Ivanhoe.

History to the present day

The first Castle on the site of Conisbrough was probably a motte and bailey built around 1070 by William, the first Earl Warenne. The stone castle was built by Hamelin Plantagenet, the illegitimate half-brother of Henry II in about 1180. The stone keep is the best preserved part of the Castle, and is a design which appears to be unique in England. The keep comprises a circular stone building of almost 100ft in height and six wedge-shaped buttresses. A lack of windows means that the interior of the keep was dark and airless so the main accommodation was most probably provided by buildings in the bailey.

The last Earl Warenne died heirless in 1347 and the castle and land reverted to the crown and the castle was already in a state of ruin by 1538. The Castle was made famous by Walter Scott's Ivanhoe.

Arrival information and how to find us

Address: Conisbrough Castle, Yorkshire , , United Kingdom

Opening times:

1 Apr-30 Sep 10am-5pm (last admission 4.20pm)

1 Oct-31 Mar 10am-4pm (last admission 3.20pm)

24-26 Dec and 1 Jan Closed

Admission prices:

Adult:£4.00

Children:£2.00

Concession:£3.40

Family Ticket: £10.00

Photographs copyright English Heritage Photographic Library.