Skipton Castle
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Skipton Castle is situated within the town of Skipton, North Yorkshire, England. The castle has been preserved for over 900 years, built in 1090 by Robert de Romille, a norman baron.
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[edit] History
The castle has stood for 900 years, first built as a Motte and Bailey castle in 1090 by Robert de Romille, a norman baron. The castle was soon replaced with a stone keep as the old Motte and Bailey constructed was not enough to withstand the attacks form the Scots to the north.
In 1310, Edward II granted the property of the castle to Robert Clifford who was appointed Lord Clifford of Skipton and Guardian of Craven [1]. Robert Clifford ordered many improvements to the fortifications of the castle but died in the Battle of Bannockburn in 1314 when the improvements were barely complete.
During the English Civil War it was the only remaining Royalist stronghold in the north of England until December 1645. After a 3 year siege, a surrender was negotiated in 1645 between Oliver Cromwell and the Royalists. Oliver Cromwell ordered the removal of the castle roofs.
Skipton remained the Clifford's principal seat until 1676. Lady Anne Clifford (1590-1676) was the last Clifford to own Skipton castle. After the 3 year siege, she ordered repairs and as a commemoration she planted a yew tree in the central courtyard to mark the Castle's repair from the English Civil War.
Today it stands as one of the most preserved medieval castles in England.
[edit] Layout
The castle consists of a ground floor and a first floor. On the ground floor there's mainly wine and beer cellars as well as the castle dungeon. The kitchen and curing rooms are also on the ground floor as well as 2 fighting chambers.
On the first floor there's a medieval kitchen as well as a banqueting hall and a withdrawing room. The Lord's Dayroom and Bedchamber are also on this floor with the Muniment room.
The castle has a central courtyard and a normal arch outside.
