Skipton Castle

Skipton castle is of Norman origin but only a barrel-vaulted passage of 1178 remains from this period. Most of the building dates from the 14th and 17th centuries. In 1250 William de Clifford argued with the king and forced one of the royal officers to actually eat the writ sent to him. Clifford was fined a great sum of money and almost lost his possessions.

In 1307 Edward II gave the castle to his favourite, Piers Gaveston. However, three years later Gaveston was murdered by the King's enemies at Warwick and Robert de Clifford then began his tenure of the stronghold.

The circular towers of the gatehouse and the seven round towers in the bailey were added in the e 14th century by Robert de Clifford. The family remained at the castle for 14 generations and were responsible for Clifford's Tower.

The Cliffords were staunch royalists and fought in many foreign wars for the Crown. Their total support for the Lancastrians resulted in the confiscation of the castle and lands. After 24 years the property was returned to the 10th baron in 1485.

The castle remained loyal to Elizabeth I during the Rising in the North.

During the Civil War the castle was the final northern stronghold to fall to Cromwell.

The last Clifford to hold the castle was Lady Anne, Countess of Pembroke. She held the property for 43 years and carried out extensive repairs and additions.

The damage done to the castle by the Parliamentarians was restored and the property remains in remarkably good condition to this day.