Spofforth Castle isn't really a castle, but a fortified manor house. It was built by Henry de Percy in the early 14th century when he was given a licence to crenellate a manor house on the site, and later alterations made in the 14th and 15th centuries. The castle was reduced to ruins during the English Civil War of 1642–46.
In 1924 it was placed in public ownership and was under the control of the Office of Works. The ruins, primarily the west side of the original castle, are now listed as a grade II* listed building and under the guardianship of English Heritage.
This shot shows the hall basement (partly built into the hillside on the right) with the hall and it's grand windows above.
Musing on your description, I imagine that 'a licence to crenellate a manor house' would now be some version of Building Permission and to be granted. Thank you for these interesting shots and their stories, am thoroughly enjoying them.
This is a place I would enjoy wondering around. I have seen other ruins in the UK and have always enjoyed the history behind them. Thanks for sharing and for the story.
Thank you all for your lovely comments and favs, which put this shot on the popular page.
Spofforth Castle is an interesting ruin to explore, but there is surprisingly little written information about it's history available.
The 'license to crenellate' is written permission from the king to errect fortifications - presumably he wanted to ensure that only his supporters fortified their buildings!
Thank you all for your lovely comments and favs, which put this shot on the popular page.
Spofforth Castle is an interesting ruin to explore, but there is surprisingly little written information about it's history available.
The 'license to crenellate' is written permission from the king to errect fortifications - presumably he wanted to ensure that only his supporters fortified their buildings!
Ian
A king can't be too careful......
Ian