Spofforth Castle HG3 1DA
Free for Everyone
Open: Seasonal - See website
Reviews: 0

About:
From the Norman Conquest until the 17th century, Spofforth was in the possession of the Percy family, one of the most important and influential families in northern England.
It was the principal Percy seat until the late 14th century. William de Percy, a favourite of William the Conqueror, built a manor house here in the 11th century, although nothing remains of this earlier building. Reputedly it was here that rebel barons drew up Magna Carta in 1215. In 1224 Henry III granted a licence to a later William de Percy to hold a Friday market in the town and in 1308 Henry de Percy received a licence to fortify the manor house. During the Wars of the Roses the Percys supported the House of Lancaster. Following the battle of Towton in 1461 the victorious Yorkist side, led by the Earl of Warwick, marched on Spofforth, burning the castle and plundering the local countryside. The castle lay in ruins for nearly 100 years until 1559, when it was restored by Henry, Lord Percy. By this time, however, the seat of the Percys had shifted to Alnwick in Northumberland. The last recorded occupant was the castle steward Sampson Ingleby, who died in 1604. The castle was finally reduced to ruin during the Civil War. In 1924 Charles Henry, Baron Leconfield, transferred ownership of the site to the state by deed of gift.
Recent research has revealed that the mound at Skipsea, thought to be a motte created by the Normans, dates from the Iron Age.

Dog Friendly:
Dogs on leads are welcome.

Entry Charge:
Free for everyone (see website)

Parking:
Free parking is available on the roadside in the village.

Facilities:
There are pubs and a convenience store in Spofforth.

Notes:
None known

Contact:
Website: www.english-heritage.org.uk
Tel: 0370 3331181