Spofforth Castle facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Spofforth Castle |
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| Spofforth, North Yorkshire, England | |
Spofforth Castle; built partially into the bedrock of the land which supports it
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 Spofforth Castle
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| Coordinates | 53°57′14″N 1°26′48″W / 53.9538°N 1.4468°W |
| Site information | |
| Owner | English Heritage |
| Open to the public |
Yes |
| Site history | |
| Materials | Stone |
| Events | English Civil War |
Spofforth Castle is an old, strong house, also known as a manor house, located in the village of Spofforth in North Yorkshire, England. It was badly damaged during a big conflict called the English Civil War. Today, English Heritage looks after it, and you can visit it as a fun tourist spot.
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Castle History and Changes
Spofforth Castle was built a long time ago, in the early 1300s. A powerful person named Henry de Percy started building it. He got special permission to add strong defenses to his manor house. Over the next 100 years, more parts were added and changed.
Today, only the main hall-tower of the castle is left standing. The eastern wall of this hall was built right onto the natural rock. Below the main floor, there's a basement area called an undercroft. Its eastern wall is also made of the natural rock because of how the land slopes. You can still see two staircases carved into the rock, which led up to the hall's entrance. On the north side of the tower, there's a two-story room section. It has a round stair turret in its corner. The top part of this section was built later, in the 1400s, probably to fix older damage.
Who Owned Spofforth Castle?
The Percy family owned many lands, including Spofforth Castle. But they lost their lands in 1408. This happened after they rebelled against King Henry IV. Sir Thomas Rokeby was given the castle instead.
Later, the Percy family got their lands back. But they lost them again in 1461. This time, it was because they supported the losing side in the War of the Roses. This was a long fight between two powerful families for the English throne.
Eventually, Spofforth Castle was returned to the Percy family. Their manager, called a steward, lived there until 1604. The castle became a ruin during the English Civil War, which lasted from 1642 to 1646.
Spofforth Castle Today
In 1924, the castle was given to the Office of Works. This group helps look after important buildings. Today, the ruins are protected as a special historical site. They are called a grade II* listed building. English Heritage now takes care of the castle as a place for people to visit. The local council, Spofforth-with-Stockeld Parish Council, helps manage it.
Images for kids
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Aerial view of Spofforth Castle in North Yorkshire
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