Pontefract Castle has a long and exciting history, having being besieged three times, seen the alleged murder of a king and being the last fortress to hold for King Charles during the English Civil War.
The Foundation of Pontefract Castle
The town of Pontefract was an important settlement during medieval times, being situated close to the Great North Road from London to Edinburgh. A timber fortress was constructed on the site of the present stone castle, shortly after the Norman Conquest of 1066. A stone castle was constructed by the de Lacy family, early in the thirteenth century and its seven towered design and high aspect ensured that it dominated the town and surrounding area.
The de Lacy Family, Founders of Pontefract Castle
The de Lacys were a prominent Yorkshire family, and in the late twelfth century, one of the family, John de Lacy, married the Countess of Lincoln, after which the de Lacys became known as the Earls of Lincoln.
In 1322, Thomas Earl of Lancaster, who had married Alice, the daughter of the last Earl of Lincoln, opposed King Edward II and was tried for treason at Pontefract Castle and executed on a nearby hill.
John of Gaunt, son of Edward III, became custodian of the castle in 1361 and sheltered in the castle during the Peasant’s Revolt, when he was at risk during the uprising. Pontefract was one of the Black Prince’s favourite residences and he spent large amounts of money improving the buildings.
Pontefract Castle as a Royal Prison
During the late Middle Ages, Pontefract Castle, as one of the most important castles in the North of England, acted many times as a royal prison, most notably for King Richard II, who was allegedly murdered there. King James of Scotland and Charles, Duc D’Orleans were also imprisoned here and the Lancastrian armies used the castle as a base from which to set out to the Battle of Wakefield, during the Wars of the Roses.
King Henry VIII also visited the castle in 1541 bringing with him Catherine Howard, who, some sources say, committed adultery with Thomas Culpepper whilst at the castle, one of the factors which led to her execution in 1542.
Pontefract Castle in the Civil War
The castle played an important role in the English Civil War, when it held out for the monarchy and was besieged three times, before surrendering in 1649. After this, Parliament decreed that the castle should be destroyed, which created the present-day ruins.
During the nineteenth century, the castle grounds were used for the cultivation of liquorice, the plant for which the town of Pontefract became so famous. It then became a pleasure garden and is still one of the town’s chief tourist attractions.
Sources
Wakefield Council’s online guide to the history of Pontefract
Walker, Alison (Editor) The First and Second Sieges of Pontefract Castle [Gosling Press, 1998]
Rachel Bellerby - I am an experienced UK writer with two non-fiction books and more than 100 articles published in the UK and US. As a mum of three young ...
