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

Heard the one about the Trojan Bed?

Photographed by Ray Gurganus, April 16, 2025

1. Heard the one about the Trojan Bed? Marker

Inscription. Pontefract Castle's defences weren't seriously tested until the Civil Wars, when it suffered some damage. But the castle's prominent position prevented attackers from gaining entry... the conventional way.

When Royalist Colonel, John Morris, discovered Parliamentarian troops were in town looking for new beds, he ordered his men to disguise themselves as country gentlemen and take their own beds to the castle. They marched the Trojan Beds' up to the castle, tricking the guards into thinking it was their own men returning. Once inside they withdrew their concealed pistols and took control of the castle. The Parliamentarian garrison was quickly overcome and imprisoned in the dungeon, where their graffiti can still be seen today. Book a tour in the Visitor Centre to see it.

The castle became the Royalists' last stronghold in the Civil Wars. They finally surrendered two months after the execution of Charles.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Forts and Castles • Wars, Non-US.

Location. 53° 41.724′ N, 1° 18.215′ 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: 4 Castle Garth, Pontefract, England WF8 2JE, 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: Herb Garden (a few steps from this marker); A Secure Store (a few steps from this marker); Medieval toilets, drains and mines (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); Off with their heads! (within shouting distance of this marker); The Key to the North (within shouting distance of this marker); Flower Power (about 90 meters away, measured in a direct line). 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

Credits. This page was last revised on June 27, 2025. It was originally submitted on June 26, 2025, by Ray Gurganus of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 88 times since then and 10 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on June 26, 2025, by Ray Gurganus of Washington, District of Columbia. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.

Editor’s want-list for this marker. photo of the marker within its surroundings • Can you help?