Pontefract Castle, Wakefield (Yorkshire )

11th century Royal Castle in West Yorkshire famed for the death of Richard II.

Summary 13th century buildings (or older) Information provided

Introduction

Ruins of the principal royal castle in the North of England. The Norman motte and bailey castle survive as an earthwork and overlying part of an 8th-10th century Saxon cemetery and the town ditch of the royal town of Tanshelf.

The motte and bailey were built before 1086, and in the late 11th century a chapel was built, within the bailey, dedicated to St Clement, although it possibly replaced a Saxon chapel or church. This was collegiate between 1090 and 1546. In the 12th century and 13th century the medieval enclosure castle was constructed. In 1618-20 a major programme of repair was undertaken. The castle was dismantled following the siege of Pontefract in 1649.

The cellars of the 11th-century great hall were used as a magazine (military store) from medieval times through to the English Civil War period. You can visit the underground magazine cut out of the solid rock and see where Civil War prisoners carved their names into the cell walls.

The Medieval castle, chapel, and motte, are visible as structure and earthworks on air photographs.

The remains of the castle and the underground magazine chamber are open to visitors and an exhibition on the site tells the story of the castle and its owners.

History to the present day

During the Middle Ages, Pontefract Castle was one of the most important fortresses in the north of England. A royal castle from 1399, it is famed as the place where Richard II died in February 1400. He was imprisoined here by Henry of Bolingbroke, (later crowned King as Henry IV) and is said to have starved to death in captivity.

It was also laid siege to three times during the English Civil War in the 1640s.

Other facilities

There is access for wheelchair users to much of the castle and toilets. Disabled car park is available outside the castle gates.

Arrival information and how to find us

Address: Pontefract Castle, Wakefield, Yorkshire , , United Kingdom

Address: Pontefract Castle, Castle Chain, Pontefract, Wakefield, West Yorkshire, WF8 1QH

Opening Times:

Monday to Friday - 8.30am to dusk. Saturday & Sunday 10.30am to dusk.

Directions: The castle is reached via the A645 through Pontefract.