Raby Castle

Raby Castle is traditionally the site of King Canute's mansion.

The Neville family, descendants of Canute, lived there until the mid-16th century.

The unusually built Bulmer's Tower may be of Danish origin but the bulk of the castle was built in about 1380.

John, Lord Neville fortified the site and built the great vaulted gatehouse, the only entrance to the inner courtyard. The other buildings and towers are grouped inside this small courtyard. Although the castle has thick walls it doesn't have the strength of 13th century fortifications which it resembles. It remains rather a fortified mansion of the 14th century designed for domestic use.

During the Wars of the Roses, Ralph Neville, Earl of Westmorland, took a leading part in putting Henry IV on the throne.

Cicely Neville was the mother of Edward IV and Richard III.

In 1569 the Nevilles were part of the rebellion against Elizabeth I. The attempt by northern nobles to restore the Roman Catholic faith failed and resulted in the subsequent loss of their lands and titles. The Neville's land and property was seized by the Crown and were not returned to private hands until 1626.

The castle was bought by Sir Henry Vane. Since he and his son were republicans the castle survived the Civil War intact.