Allerton Castle (18th century) Allerton Park, North Yorkshire The ancestral home of Lord Mowbray, Segrave and Stourton, the premier Baron of England. Rated Grade I by English Heritage, it is the most important Gothic Revival stately home in England. Steeped in history, in the eighteenth century the property was owned by Prince Frederick, the Duke of York, brother to King George IV. According to local legend, the Hill on which the Temple of Victory stands, once known as Arbour Hill, is the one mentioned in the nursery rhyme 'The Grand Old Duke of York'. http://www.allertoncastle.co.uk/ http://www.touruk.co.uk/houses/houseyorkshire_allerton.htm
	Bolton Castle (14th century) Leyburn, North Yorkshire Bolton Castle is a spectacular mediaeval fortress, situated in the heart of the beautiful Yorkshire Dales, on the boundary of the Yorkshire Dales National Park. It was built in 1399 by Richard le Scrope, 1st Lord Scrope of Bolton and Lord Chancellor of England. Bolton has never been sold, and remains in the private ownership of Lord Bolton, Richard le Scropes' descendant. http://www.boltoncastle.co.uk
	Bowes Castle (12th century) Richmond, North Yorkshire Started by Conan the Little, Earl of Richmond, and finished by Richard the Engineer for Henry II between 1171 - 87, Bowes Castle is sited within the remains of the Roman fort Lavatrae. Its purpose, similar to that of the Roman fort, was to guard the approaches to the Stainmore pass, a highly strategic border area with Scotland. http://www.dales-castles.org.uk/bowes.htm
Photo by Moira Allen	Clifford's Tower (13th century) York, North Yorkshire The tower stands on a high mound erected by William the Conqueror as part of his campaign to overthrow the North. He threw up two mottes (mounds) with wooden keeps on top - one became Clifford's Tower and the Baille Hill, which can be seen on the side of the river, although the tower there has long since disappeared. Clifford's Tower was the scene of what was perhaps one of the most terrible events in York's history. In 1190 the Jews of York sought refuge there after being attacked by a local mob. They were given the choice of being either baptised or killed, but they took a third option and committed mass suicide. At this time the tower was built of timber and so burned to the ground. In the latter half of the thirteenth century, the keep was rebuilt in stone. It was given a quatrefoil plan, of which there is no other example in England. The keep later became known as Clifford's Tower after Roger de Clifford, who was hanged there in 1322. http://www.cliffordstower.com/
	Hellifield Peel (14th century) Gargrave, South Yorkshire Hellifield Peel is a large mid-15th century crenellated tower house. It is said to have been built by Lawrence Hammerton circa 1440 - 41. Hellifield Peel underwent major structural changes in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. The east wall has a seventeenth century mullion and transom window and the windows on the north wall are Georgian. However, many of the original medieval features remain. Although Hellifield Peel is on private land a footpath runs past it, allowing the public to study this roofless ruin. http://www.dales-castles.org.uk/hellifield.htm
Photo courtesy of VisitBritain.com	Helmsley Castle (12th century) Helmsley, North Yorkshire With its 12th-century keep, Tudor mansion and spectacular earthworks cut from solid rock, Helmsley Castle offers an exploration of changing social habits and military needs from medieval times to the twentieth century. Within this labyrinth of history you'll see the heads of traitors, models of the Bar, be able to read about the history of York, look at past families who lived here, see just how heavy real Chain Mail armor is, try on soldiers Helmets, meet our Royalist defender, examine the old prisoner cell, and much more. We like to keep our displays friendly so visitors can touch and feel the real past. We have no large glass cabinets keeping you away from our displays in this Museum! (Lots of emphasis on severed heads!) Scarborough, Richmond and Helmsley Castles: Three of Yorkshire's Finest, by Dawn Copeman http://www.york-tourism.co.uk
	Castle Howard (17th century) Malton, North Yorkshire Built in 1699, Castle Howard is, today, still the private home of the Howard family. As a major tourist attraction the house receives hundreds of thousands of visitors annually from all over the world, who come to enjoy a variety of delights. Indoors there are enormous collections of art treasures that include important paintings by Canaletto, Holbein, Gainsborough and Reynolds, a magnificent collection of antique sculpture, and the porcelain collections include a spectacular Crown Derby botanical dessert service. Outdoors there are temples, lead statues and a startling array of monuments. Castle Howard: Yorkshire's Second Eden, by John Ravenscroft http://www.castlehoward.co.uk/
	Knaresborough Castle and Museum, Castle Yard (14th century) Knaresborough, North Yorkshire The first castle on this site was probably built in about 1100, although very little of this early work survives, having been almost completely rebuilt by Edward I in the early 14th century. Edward I was a military man, and built many of the famous Welsh castles before turning his attention northward to Knaresborough. This 14th century modernisation programme was completed by Edward's son, Edward II, who was responsible for the construction of the elegant King's Tower, the crowning glory of Knaresborough Castle today. The Museum is housed in one of the Castle's oldest surviving buildings. Its displays tell the story of the town's long history and many of the colourful characters who have contributed to it, such as Blind Jack the turnpike road builder, Mother Shipton the prophetess and the infamous 18th century murderer, Eugene Aram. The Pikes & Plumes Gallery tells the story of Knaresborough life during the English Civil War and houses the shirt worn by Sir Henry Slingsby when he was beheaded at Tower Hill in London. Other highlights of a visit to the Castle are the opportunity to see the rare surviving Tudor-period courtroom, and a tour through the secret underground sallyport. This 80-foot long tunnel is cut through the solid bedrock under the Castle. It provided secret access in and out of the Castle in times of siege. Today, visitors experience the sallyport as part of a guided tour of the Castle. http://www.knaresborough.co.uk/castle/index.html http://www.harrogate.gov.uk/immediacy-996
	Middleham Castle (12th century) Middleham, Leyburn, North Yorkshire Before the present castle was built in the 12th century, a Norman motte-and-bailey fortification existed at Middleham. The earthworks of this fortification survive to the south west of the existing castle. The principal building on the new site was a formidable stone keep, one of the largest in England. During its heyday in the 15th century, extensive improvements were made and it became the childhood and favourite home of Richard III. English Heritage Views of Middleham
	Pickering Castle (11th century) Pickering, North Yorkshire A splendid motte-and-bailey castle. It is well-preserved with much of the original walls, towers and keep remaining. There is also an exhibition in the chapel. http://www.york-tourism.co.uk/ English Heritage
	Ravensworth Castle (14th century) Richmond, North Yorkshire Ravensworth Castle was the home of the Fitzhugh family. Built in the 14th century out of sandstone, the castle was used as a quarry by the inhabitants of Ravensworth village when it was abandoned in the 16th century. Although now a ruin some interesting features remain. Unfortunately, the castle is on private land and, because of is decaying condition, not open to the public. It can, however, be seen easily from the road. http://www.dales-castles.org.uk/ravensworth.htm
Photo courtesy of VisitBritain.com	Richmond Castle (11th century) Richmond, North Yorkshire The market town of Richmond - from the Norman French riche monte meaning 'strong hill' - has grown up around the Norman Castle which still dominates the town today. The building of the castle as a military stronghold commenced in 1071 on land gifted to Alan the Red of Brittany by his kinsman William the Conqueror as reward for his part in the victory over King Harold and his subsequent support of William as one of his most trusted advisers. Richmond Castle became the headquarters of the Honour of Richmond, a vast assembly of estates in Yorkshire and beyond. The best preserved part of the castle is the Keep which towers over 100 feet above the town; the walls are actually eleven feet thick. The Keep was a 12th century addition to the castle and was built over the original gate-house (the archway at the base of the Keep is of the 11th century and is, possibly, the only remaining part of the original structure). Scarborough, Richmond and Helmsley Castles: Three of Yorkshire's Finest, by Dawn Copeman http://www.richmond.org.uk/guide/castle/castle.html http://dialspace.dial.pipex.com/town/parade/hq69/Pages/hist_cas.html
Photo courtesy of VisitBritain.com	Scarborough Castle (12th century) Scarborough, North Yorkshire It is said that the infamous King Richard III admired the views from Scarborough Castle so much that he still returns today... An audio tour recounts the site's varied 2,500 year history. It saw Viking invasions in 1066, was key to the medieval defence of the realm, withstood two civil war sieges, served time as a prison and was used as a barracks until 1914. Scarborough, Richmond and Helmsley Castles: Three of Yorkshire's Finest, by Dawn Copeman http://www2.scarboroughtoday.co.uk/tourism/castle.asp
	Skipsea Castle (11th century) Skipsea, East Yorkshire At Skipsea Brough, situated just outside of Skipsea, can be found the remains of Skipsea Castle. Built in 1086 by Drogo de la Beuvriere, whos wife was the niece of William the Conquer, it is the finest example of a motte and bailey to survive in England although all that remains is a grassed mound with trees and scrubs growing on it. The castle motte is 11metres high and would have had a gate house on its south west side. The bailey, which would have been flooded, covers over 8 acres of land and is defended by a bank and an outer ditch. http://www.driffield.co.uk/wolds_village_skipsea.htm
	Skipton Castle (11th century) Skipton, North Yorkshire At the top of Skipton's main street stand the massive twin towers of Skipton Castle... Over 900 years old, Skipton Castle is one of the most complete and best preserved medieval castles in England and is well worth a visit at any season of the year. Visitors can explore every corner of this impressive history-rich castle, which withstood a three-year siege during the Civil War. View the Banqueting Hall, the Kitchen, the Bedchamber and Privy. Climb from the depths of the Dungeon to the top storey of the Watch Tower. http://www.skiptoncastle.co.uk/
	William's Hill (11th century) Middleham, North Yorkshire William's Hill is an impressive Norman earthwork motte and bailey fortress, founded by Alan the Red, count of Penthievre. Sited at the west end of a high ridge, the large motte and its kidney shaped bailey, are encased by wide wet ditches, with counterscarp banks. The predecessor of Middleham Castle, its eastern approach along the ridge, is also defended by a series of banks and ditches, running north to south. http://www.castleuk.net/castle_lists_north/99/middlehamotte.htm
	Withernsea Underground Bunker (20th century fortification) Withernsea, East Yorkshire The entrance tunnel to this vast underground complex and command centre is over 100 meters long. Enjoy a full "self-explore" visit through the whole WWII Bunker, including cinemas, WMD room and command centre, with a quiz trail for kids. http://www.defencearchives.org/
Photo by Moira Allen	York City Walls (12th century fortification) York, North Yorkshire Over a million people a year take a walk through 1900 years of history on YorkÕs city walls. Built in Roman times, they've been added to and rebuilt over time and now have parts from across the centuries. Originally built as defences, the focus is now on conservation. http://www.york.gov.uk/walls/index.html