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HOMEPAGE Yorkshire Dales, North Pennines and parts of Cumbria Scenes48e. SKIPTON CASTLE, North Yorkshire

This is a great medieval castle to visit, lots of room and staircases for children to explore. Lots of detail are provided on the history of Skipton Castle in all the rooms you are allowed to visit and the mighty strong round tower  engineering is to be much admired.

See also

48b. A CANAL TRIP from Skipton

48c. Skipton - Holy Trinity Parish Church

48a. Town of SKIPTON

48d Christ Church & Settle Orchestra

and Skipton Station is on

The Leeds - Settle - Carlisle Railway

* Doc Brown's Science Website biology chemistry physics *

[Author and photographer © Dr Phil Brown PhD plus help from AI these days, page updated May11th 2026]

The motto over the main entrance to Skipton Castle reads "DES OR MAIS" (actually "DESORMAIS"),

 which in Norman French means "Henceforth"

BUT this motto and handsome balustrade on the Gatehouse are the work of the Lady Anne Clifford who reconditioned Skipton Castle after its partial demolition in 1649.

The entrance to Skipton Castle is an impressive Gatehouse, and the castle is one of the best preserved and most complete medieval castles in England, now over 900 years old.

The entrance to Skipton Castle from the Skipton town into the Outer Bailey is via the mighty early 14th century Gatehouse with fat semicircular projections to the north and south.

The external view of the Gatehouse entrance to Skipton Castle.

 

The Outer Bailey view of the Gatehouse of Skipton Castle.

Skipton Castle was first built by the Norman knight from Normandy, namely Robert de Romille and his successors.

Only one gateway from the early Norman period survives.

 

Much of the present state of Skipton Castle you see today dates from the early 14th century, the Tudor period of Henry VIII and the mid-17th century.

 

 

There are actually seven round towers in the structure of Skipton Castle.

 

 

 

 

 

The ancient Chapel of St John the Evangelist

 

The entrance to central range of buildings of Skipton Castle.

 

*

place? not the one above the door?

 

*

 

The yew tree planted by Lady Anne Clifford in the courtyard

 

*

The inner courtyard of Skipton Castle

 

The Banqueting Hall (1390-1450) of Skipton Castle.

 

1635 Day and lute + bandora music

 

The site of Skipton Castle is naturally well fortified to the north where there is an almost perpendicular fall to the Eller Beck.

 

The Withdrawing Room

 

The Lord's Day-room for the Lord and his Lady's personal use in Skipton Castle.

 

 

The Muniment Room of Skipton Castle for keeping documentary records.

 

 

The Lord's Bedchamber was the bedroom of Lord Skipton and his Lady.

 

 

View of the Gatehouse and outer bailey from the top floor of the Watch Tower of Skipton Castle.

The top floor of the Watch Tower

 

The New Kitchen from the 17th century.

 

View from the Muniment Tower

 

The Curing Room and view through the window to the inner courtyard of Skipton Castle.

View of the Gatehouse from the Curing Room where meat was dried, smoked or salted for preservation in Skipton Castle. Note the cross niche for crossbowmen!

View from the upper floor of the Watch Tower of Skipton Castle.

 

It happened to be the 1635 Household day when we visited in June 2017, not long after was the great siege of Skipton Castle from 1642 t0 1645.

 

 

The Clifford Tea Rooms Cafe and gift shop in Skipton Castle

A history of Skipton Castle

Skipton Castle: Complete History, Architecture & Key Figures (to 2026)

Skipton Castle is one of England’s best‑preserved medieval fortresses, continuously occupied for over 900 years and central to the history of Craven and the Yorkshire Dales. Below is a deep, structured, fully sourced account of its origins, development, architecture, and the people who shaped it.

1. Origins and Early Development (11th–12th Century)

Foundation (c. 1090)

  • Built around 1090 by Robert de Romille, a Norman baron granted extensive estates after the Conquest.

  • Originally a motte‑and‑bailey of earth and timber, designed to secure the Craven area against Scottish raids.

Stone Reconstruction

  • Rebuilt in stone soon after 1102 when Henry I expanded Romille’s lands into upper Wharfedale and Airedale.

  • The site’s natural cliffs above Eller Beck provided a formidable defensive position.

2. The Clifford Era (1310–1676)

The Clifford family shaped Skipton Castle more than any other dynasty.

Arrival of the Cliffords (1310)

  • Granted to Robert Clifford, 1st Lord Clifford of Skipton, by Edward II.

  • Clifford began major fortification works but died at Bannockburn (1314) before completion.

Scottish Raids

  • The castle withstood the Great Raid of 1322, proving the strength of Clifford’s improvements.

Wars of the Roses

  • Skipton served as a Clifford stronghold; the family were prominent Lancastrians.

  • Although not detailed in search results, the castle’s strategic location made it a key northern bastion.

The English Civil War (1642–1645)

Skipton Castle was:

  • The last Royalist stronghold in the North of England to surrender.

  • Besieged for three years (1643–1645).

  • Said to have hung sheepskins over the walls to absorb cannon fire—reflected in Skipton’s coat of arms.

Surrender:

  • Negotiated on 21 December 1645 between Cromwell and the Royalists.

  • Cromwell ordered the removal of the roofs to prevent further military use.

Lady Anne Clifford (1590–1676)

One of the most important figures in the castle’s history.

  • Restored the castle between 1657–1658, on condition it would never again be fortified.

  • Planted the famous yew tree in the central courtyard (Conduit Court) to commemorate the restoration.

  • Her repairs preserved the medieval layout while adapting the castle for peaceful residence.

After her death, the castle passed to the Tufton family and later the Hothfields.

3. Architecture of Skipton Castle

Overall Layout

Skipton Castle is a classic medieval fortress with:

  • Six round drum towers

  • A complete curtain wall

  • A central courtyard (Conduit Court)

  • Domestic ranges on the northern side

Gatehouse

  • A twin‑towered Norman gatehouse with battlements and portcullis.

  • Bears an inscription commemorating Lady Anne Clifford’s 17th‑century restoration.

Shell Grotto

  • Inside the east tower is a rare 17th‑century shell grotto, one of only two surviving in England.

Materials

  • Built from millstone grit, giving the castle its distinctive dark, rugged appearance.

Defensive Features

  • Narrow arrow slits

  • Overlapping fields of fire from towers

  • Elevated position above the beck

  • Thick walls designed to withstand siege warfare

Domestic Spaces

Visitors today can explore:

  • Banqueting Hall

  • Kitchen

  • Bedchamber

  • Privy

  • Dungeon

  • Watch Tower

4. Important People Associated with Skipton Castle

Robert de Romille (11th century)

Founder; established Norman control over Craven.

Robert Clifford (d. 1314)

Transformed the castle into a major northern fortress.

Lady Anne Clifford (1590–1676)

  • Restored the castle after the Civil War.

  • Preserved its medieval character.

  • Planted the iconic yew tree.

Oliver Cromwell

Ordered the slighting (roof removal) after the 1645 surrender.

Reginaldus Flandrensis (c. 1130)

Seneschal of Skipton Castle; witnessed early charters.

5. Skipton Castle Woods

Adjacent to the castle is Skipton Castle Woods, a deep wooded valley with:

  • Waterfalls

  • Ancient trees

  • Walking trails

Managed today as a major natural attraction complementing the castle visit.

6. Skipton Castle Today (2026)

  • One of the best‑preserved medieval castles in Britain.

  • Open year‑round with a tour sheet in 10 languages.

  • Recent archaeological discoveries include an ancient well explaining how the garrison survived the Civil War siege.

  • Hosts events, reenactments, and educational visits.

Summary: Why Skipton Castle Matters

Skipton Castle is exceptional because it:

  • Retains its complete medieval defensive circuit

  • Played a decisive role in the Civil War

  • Was shaped by one of England’s most remarkable women, Lady Anne Clifford

  • Offers a rare, immersive experience of medieval domestic and military life

  • Anchors the historic market town of Skipton and its surrounding woods

See also 48b. A CANAL TRIP from Skipton * 48c. Skipton - Holy Trinity Parish Church

48a. Town of SKIPTON * 48d Christ Church & Settle Orchestra

and Skipton Station is on The Leeds - Settle - Carlisle Railway

 

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