Knaresborough Castle facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Knaresborough Castle |
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| Knaresborough, North Yorkshire, England | |
The ruins of the keep of Knaresborough Castle.
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 Knaresborough Castle
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| Coordinates | 54°00′26″N 1°28′10″W / 54.00719°N 1.46932°W |
| Type | Castle |
| Site information | |
| Owner | Duchy of Lancaster |
| Controlled by | North Yorkshire Council |
| Open to the public |
Yes |
| Condition | Ruined |
| Site history | |
| Built | Around 1100, rebuilt 1301–1307 |
| In use | Until 1648 |
Knaresborough Castle is a ruined fortress that looks over the River Nidd in the town of Knaresborough, North Yorkshire, England. It's a historic spot with a long and interesting past.
Contents
History of Knaresborough Castle
Early Days and Royal Connections
The castle was first built around 1100 by a Norman baron. It was placed high on a cliff above the River Nidd. We know that King Henry I had work done on the castle around 1130.
Later, in the 1170s, a group of people led by Hugh de Moreville hid there. They had just been involved in the assassination of Thomas Becket, a very important religious leader.
King John thought Knaresborough was a very important fortress in the north of England. He spent a lot of money to make the castle even better. In 1304, Elizabeth of Rhuddlan, who was a daughter of King Edward I, visited the castle. She gave birth to her son, Humphrey, there.
Building the Great Keep
The castle was rebuilt between 1307 and 1312. This big project was started by King Edward I and finished by King Edward II. During this time, the impressive great keep was added. A keep is the strongest and most protected part of a castle, often used as a home for the lord.
King Edward II later gave the castle to his friend, Piers Gaveston. Edward II even stayed there himself when Gaveston was being attacked at another castle.
A Royal Home
In 1331, Philippa of Hainault, who was the Queen, took control of the castle. It then became a royal residence, meaning it was a home for the royal family. Queen Philippa often spent her summers at Knaresborough Castle with her children.
Her son, John of Gaunt, took over the castle in 1372. He added it to the huge lands owned by the Duchy of Lancaster. After he died, his third wife, Katherine Swynford, received the castle.
The English Civil War and Destruction
During the English Civil War in 1644, soldiers loyal to Parliament (called Parliamentarians) captured the castle. In 1648, Parliament ordered that many Royalist castles be taken apart. Knaresborough Castle was largely destroyed, not by fighting, but by this order. Many buildings in the town today are made from stones taken from the old castle.
Visiting Knaresborough Castle Today
What You Can See and Do
Today, the remains of Knaresborough Castle are open for everyone to visit. There is a small fee to go inside the ruined parts. The castle grounds are a popular public space. In the summer, you can enjoy a bowling green and a putting green.
The castle also hosts many events, like the annual FEVA (Festival of Visual Arts and Entertainment). This festival brings together different kinds of art and entertainment.
The monarch owns the castle as part of the Duchy of Lancaster. However, the North Yorkshire Council manages it and keeps it open for visitors.
Description of the Castle Ruins
Layout and Main Features
The castle, though mostly in ruins now, once had two main walled areas called baileys. One bailey was closer to the town, and the other was on the cliff side. Strong towers were built along the walls. Two of these towers, which you can still see today, formed the main gate.
At the point where the two baileys met, on the north side, stood a tall, five-sided keep. Parts of the eastern side of this keep have been pulled down. The keep had a basement with a vaulted ceiling and at least three floors above it. It served as the main living area for the castle's lord throughout its history. There were also other buildings for living inside the castle baileys, and you can still see some of their foundations.
The Courthouse Museum
The upper floor of the old Courthouse building at the castle now has a museum. Inside, you can see furniture from the original Tudor Court. There are also exhibits that tell the story of the castle and the town of Knaresborough.
