Pontefract Castle

It is believed Pontefract Castle was built around 1070 by Ilbert de Lacy who was given the land by William the Conqueror as a reward for his support during the Norman conquests. The original Castle would have been a wooden structure which was replaced by stone gradually over time.

It became an important fortress during the Middle Ages, and was recoginsed as a royal castle in 1399 following the accession of Henry Bolinbroke to the throne. During the English Civil War it was held by the King's supporters throughout three sieges, but as a result after 1649 it was largely demolished.