Tickhill Castle facts for kids
Tickhill Castle was an important castle in Tickhill, England. It was located near the border of Nottingham and Yorkshire. This castle was a very strong place during the time of King John.
Early Days of the Castle
Tickhill Castle began as an earthwork castle in the 11th century. It was called Blythe Castle back then. Roger de Busli built it. He was a very rich man who owned many properties given to him by William the Norman. Roger built the castle right on the border because he was in charge of both areas.
After a battle in 1102, Robert Bloet added a stone wall around the castle's main area. This was the first part of the castle to be made of stone.
From 1151 to 1153, Ranulf de Gernon, 4th Earl of Chester held the castle. In 1180, King Henry II of England started building a strong, round tower on top of the castle's mound. This tower was finished in 1192. A stone bridge and a chapel were also built by Eleanor of Aquitaine around this time.
King John and the Castle
In 1189, King Richard I of England gave the land around Tickhill to his brother, John of England. However, Richard kept the castle itself. He also kept other important castles like Windsor Castle and Nottingham Castle. Richard did not fully trust John because he was away fighting in a big war called the Third Crusade.
Richard's worries were right. John took control of England in 1191 from Richard's chosen leader, William Longchamp. Tickhill Castle became one of John's main castles. He used it to defend against possible attacks from Philip II of France.
In 1194, Hugh de Puiset attacked Tickhill Castle. The castle's defenders held out until they heard King Richard had returned to England. They sent two knights to check if Richard was truly back. The knights then offered to give the castle back to Richard. Richard said he would only accept if they surrendered completely. The knights agreed, and the castle was given to Hugh de Puiset. The defenders were allowed to live.
In 1321, Thomas, 2nd Earl of Lancaster tried to attack the castle during a rebellion against King Edward II of England. But he was not successful.
Later, in 1372, King Edward III of England gave the castle to John of Gaunt. The castle still belongs to the Duchy of Lancaster today.
English Civil War
By 1540, the castle was in bad shape. In 1612, Sir Ralph Hansby leased it and had it fixed up. He also made it stronger. During the English Civil War, the castle stayed loyal to the King. Major Monckton was in charge after Sir Ralph died in 1643.
In 1644, John Lilburne and 200 soldiers marched to Tickhill. They accepted the castle's surrender on July 26. In 1648, the castle was torn down. This was done to stop it from being used as a strong base in the future.
Tickhill Castle Today
After the Civil War, the Hansby family built a large house on the site. This house still has the old Norman gatehouse. It might even include parts of the old castle hall. The area where the castle's main yard used to be is now part of the gardens.
Tickhill Castle is now a private home. The Duchy of Lancaster looks after the historical site. It is open to the public only one day each year.
