When was pontefract castle destroyed

There are even more reasons why Pontefract Castle is unusual and very special. Pontefract also has a torre albarrana , known as Skillington Tower, a fortification almost unknown outside the Iberian Peninsular ; a torre albarrana is a type of defensive tower connected to a curtain wall by a bridge or an arcade. In fact, the dungeons were notorious in medieval England; hollowed out of the bedrock 35 feet below the castle, it was quite common for prisoners to be left in the pitch black depths for weeks at a time.

Many scratched their names into the cold, damp walls, and some of these names can still be seen today. During the English Civil War, which broke out in , the castle was a strategic Royalist stronghold and the site of the longest siege of any place during the civil war. When the war finally ended and the castle was handed over to the Parliamentarians, Oliver Cromwell was enthusiastic about ensuring its destruction. He turned to the townspeople of Pontefract and encouraged them to petition Parliament to sanction the demolition of the castle.

Accessible by Public Transport : 0 miles from Pontefract, Monkhill station. About Pontefract Castle. News Castle Stories. What's On. What's on at the Castle Dungeon Tours. Visitor Information. Refine your search. Type Any type Castle.

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Test your Knowledge. Please note that the TimeRef website is currently being redesigned. Pontefract Castle. Originally a Saxon fort, the castle was redeveloped by the Normans after the Conquest.

Only the motte and low sections of the walls remain of what once a very large and imposing structure. The most secure part of the castle was the keep located in the south-west corner. Known as the Round Tower it was quatrefoil in shape, having four lobes surrounding a circular interior. More towers were constructed around the curtain walls, including the Piper, Gascoigne, Constable, Queen's and King's Towers. The entrance to the castle was via a large gatehouse on the southern side.

This gatehouse was protected by a large barbican forcing any would-be attackers out into the open if they approached. At the western side of the barbican was a large square tower. Within the castle's bailey stood many buildings including a hall and chapel. Related Information. Today the remains of the castle and the underground magazine chamber are open to visitors. The underground magazine is particularly interesting as it was used for storing liquorice root, gunpowder and prisoners during the Civil War.

The ruins are under the guardianship of the City Council of Wakefield.