Middleham Castle

Middleham Castle is located 14 kilometres (9 miles) from Leyburn and 12 kilometres (8 miles) from Masham (pronounced massum), North Yorkshire. Speaking of Masham, that's where the Black Sheep Brewery is located. Of course, we visited the shop! Also in Masham, in the market square is a great little restaurant for Fish & Chips. Yum!

Middleham Castle Entrance

The town where Middleham Castle is located has the grand total of 880 people. Pretty big, huh? The sun popped through the clouds for our visit of Middleham Castle. The Castle we see today has been rebuilt and remodelled. In fact, it was the second Castle to be built in the small market town of Middleham, the first was built in the mid 11th century on a site just south west of the current castle which was begun in the late 12th century.

The Castle is a ruin. Despite that, the central Keep, reaching a height of 66ft, is still imposing. You can no longer walk up the original stone staircase as it is destroyed, but the modern steps in the south east corner of the Keep, take you to the top of the battlements. Here, there are marvellous views of the surrounding countryside. Also visible from this point is the site of the first motte-and-bailey castle that was abandoned in the 12th century when the new one was built.

Middleham Castle

Middleham Castle

Many 'royals' have been associated with Middleham: it was the childhood home of Richard III, and his only son, Edward, was born here; Henry IV stayed there in 1410, enjoyed the Castle and high quality accommodation for the time. Several great Lords also resided there at various times.

On the dark side, Middleham Castle was used as a base during the Wars of the Roses, as well as during other skirmishes, and many prisoners were brought there for execution. It was a centre of defense, power and politics.

Middleham Castle

Travel Diary II

Bolton Castle