Middleham Castle
Replacing an earlier wooden building the
present stone castle was built some 500 yards away, although not having as good
a position, being in a slightly lower area, they must have thought making some
of the walls as thick as 12 feet it wouldnt really matter!
The Castle was built in the 1170s by the Fitzranulph family.
In 1461 Richard , Duke of Gloucester (later to be crowned King Richard the III)
was sent to live there, he was only 9 years old and was sent to live with his
cousin Richard Neville, Earl of Warick (also known as the "Kingmaker") here
young Richard was to learn and study.
10 years after his arrival he received the Lordship of Middleham, one year later
he was to marry Lady Anne Neville and continued to live in the Castle, known as
the (unofficial) Lord of the North he spent his time keeping the North of
England calm and peaceful as it was a troublesome area. He was well respected
for his fairness and a trusted man in the area, he established 2 colleges too in
this part of England. Richards son Edward, Prince of Wales was born here
reportedly in the Round Tower, he was to die within 12 months of his investiture
aged 12, his tomb lies in the church at Sheriff Hutton (although its not known
if his body is actually there) the church is close to Sheriff Hutton Castle also
owned by Richard.
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