Structure Name: Middleham Castle

Description:
 

Ruined castle, consisting of a 12th century keep standing to full height (20m) surrounded by a curtain wall with irregularly-shaped angle towers. At the southwest corner is the circular 'Prince's Tower', named after Richard III's son Prince Edward, who is said to have been born there. Entry is through a turreted gatehouse on the northeast side of the castle.

The keep measures 32m by 23m, and is entered by a first floor doorway. On the east side is abutted a three storey chapel of the 13th century. Inside the keep is the great hall to the east, above the large barrel vaulted cellar. Access to the upper floors and battlements was by a stair turret in the southeast corner of the building.
 

Extant: Yes

Legal Status: Listed Building Grade I, Scheduled Ancient Monument

Location: Middleham, NORTHYORKSHIRE

Eastings: 412800m (view map)

Northings: 487400m (view map)

Position Accuracy: 500m

Positional Confidence: Absolute Certainty

Structure Types Identified: CASTLE, CURTAIN WALL, HORSE ENGINE HOUSE

Historical Background
 

An earlier motte and bailey castle stood on the site of Middleham Castle, which was begun in 1170 by Robert Fitzralph. The castle, often called 'the Windsor of the North' was childhood home to Richard III, under the care and tutelage of Richard Nevill ('Kingmaker'), the Earl of Warwick.
 

Chronology:

• 1170   Construction of keep by Robert Fitzralph.
      Entities Involved:
            Fitzralph, Robert: Landowner.
• 13TH CENTURY AD   Curtain wall and towers constructed.
• LATE 13TH CENTURY   Chapel annexe built.
• 14TH CENTURY AD   Construction of gatehouse. Service ranges and living quarters built up against the curtain wall.
• 15TH CENTURY AD   Service ranges and living quarters built up against the curtain wall.

Notes:

• Additional information about the structure type HORSE ENGINE HOUSE is available.

References:

• Images of England

The information displayed in this page has been derived from authoritative sources, including any referenced above. Although substantial efforts were made to verify this information, the SINE project cannot guarantee its correctness or completeness.

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