Pontefract in West Yorkshire, England, United Kingdom — Northwestern Europe (the British Isles)

Herb Garden

Liquorice

— Glycyrrhiza glabra —

Herb Garden Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Ray Gurganus, April 16, 2025

1. Herb Garden Marker

Inscription. Liquorice was cultivated from the early 19th century, here within the inner Bailey of Pontefract Castle and the leaves in this illustration have been used to carry the names of the many herbs which would have grown alongside it in the medieval herb garden.

Liquorice became an important part of the town's economic wealth and remains so to the present day.

Once harvested the roots were laid to dry in the magazine. Today you can still find liquorice growing here in the herb garden.

Each leaf carries the name of an herb still in use today in this country.

Not all of the herbs are native species, herb imports mentioned have managed to adapt to cultivation in the British outdoors.

The Friends of Pontefract Castle hope you will spend time enjoying this fragrant and colourful garden.

Erected by Wakefield Council.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Forts and Castles • Horticulture & Forestry.

Location. 53° 41.714′ N, 1° 18.224′ W. Marker is in Pontefract, England, in West Yorkshire. It can be reached from Castle Garth. On the grounds of Pontefract Castle. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 3 Castle Garth, Pontefract, England WF8, United Kingdom. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in England’s Yorkshire & The Humber.

Globally, it is in the Atlantic Ocean,

in the North Atlantic Region,

in Europe,

in Atlantic Europe,

on one of the British Isles,

in the Western World,

and in the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Roman Empire.

Other nearby markers.

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At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Heard the one about the Trojan Bed? (a few steps from this marker); A Secure Store (within shouting distance of this marker); Welcome to one of England's largest castles (within shouting distance of this marker); John de Lacy (within shouting distance of this marker); Flower Power (within shouting distance of this marker); Medieval toilets, drains and mines (within shouting distance of this marker); Off with their heads! (about 90 meters away, measured in a direct line); The Key to the North (about 90 meters away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Pontefract.

$Pontefract Castle image. Click for full size.$

Photographed by Ray Gurganus, April 16, 2025

2. Pontefract Castle

Photographed by Carole Archer, August 25, 2025

3. Herb Garden Marker

Medieval Herb Garden sign at Pontefract Castle, West Yorkshire, England

Credits. This page was last revised on September 2, 2025. It was originally submitted on June 26, 2025, by Ray Gurganus of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 101 times since then and 8 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on June 26, 2025, by Ray Gurganus of Washington, District of Columbia. 3. submitted on August 26, 2025, by Carole Archer of Pontefract. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.