Originally built of wood the castle was converted to stone in the latter part of the 12th century by Hamelin Plantagenet, half-brother of Henry II.
He began building in 1174 and completed the keep, surrounded by walls with towers 15 years later.
It was one of the first keeps in Britain to be built in a round design. The base of the keep is splayed out and has six wedge-shaped buttresses, one of which contains a six-sided chapel.
The immensely thick walls of the 95 foot high tower contain staircases, fire places latrines and hand basins. The keep is notable in having very few windows or loops.
Partially enclosing the keep is a semi-circular bailey. This surrounded by a 35 feet high and 7 feet wide curtain wall supported with solid towers.
Despite its strength by Tudor times the castle was already in ruins.
Conisbrough Castle Opening TimesOct-Mar: Mon-Sun 10:00-16:00; Apr-Sept: Mon-Sun 10:00-17:00. Last entry 40mins before close. Closed Christmas Dec 23rd-Jan 2nd.
Tel: 01709 863329 Conisbrough Castle Website
