Skipton Castle

History

A timber fortress was originally built on the site c1090 by Robert de Romille, a Norman baron, to protect from the Scots. The site, with cliffs at the rear and a sheer drop down to Eller Beck at the bottom, was perfect for a defensive structure. The wooden fort was soon replaced with a more formidable Norman stone castle.

The castle was granted to the Clifford family in 1310 by King Edward II. Robert Clifford was appointed first Lord Clifford of Skipton and Guardian of Craven. The name Clifford was taken from Clifford Castle in Herefordshire which the family also owned. Robert Clifford started heavily fortifying the castle, but was killed in 1314 (at Bannockburn) before the work was completed.

During the English Civil War the castle was a royalist stronghold, and withstood a three years siege by the Roundheads. After the surrender in 1645 Oliver Cromwell ordered the removal of the Castle roofs. Skipton remained the Clifford's principal seat until 1676. Today, their banner flies over the castle with the approval of the present Lord Clifford of Chudleigh.

Admission Details

(These details correct as of January 2009)
Open daily from 10am (Sunday 12 noon), except for 25 December. Last admission is at 6pm (October - February 4pm).

Adults: £6.00
Children (5-17): £3.50
Children under 5: free
Over 60s and students: £5.40
Family Ticket for two adults and up to 3 children over 5: £18.90.

All visitors to the Castle are given a comprehensive Tour Sheet (available in 8 languages) with 40 drawings and descriptions of key features.

Facilities:

Skipton Castle Shop, selling souvenirs and refreshments, gifts, books on the castle's history. The Clifford Tearooms. Picnic area in the castle grounds, with views over the town and of Skipton Woods.

Events:

SkiptonCastle periodically hosts events - historical re-enactments, jousting, archery, etc... see their website for more details.

Website:

For more detailed information,and a lot more on the history of the castle, see the official Skipton Castle website at http://www.skiptoncastle.co.uk/

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