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

Dig for Victory!

Photographed by Ray Gurganus, April 16, 2025

1. Dig for Victory! Marker

Inscription. '(The castle) is very well known as one of the strongest inland Garrisons in the Kingdom... The walls are very thick and high, with strong towers; and if battered, very difficult of access, by reason of the depth and steepness of the graft' -- Oliver Cromwell

For five days in January 1645 (during the first Civil Wars siege), Pontefract Castle came under intense heavy fire but its walls could not be breached. That March, the Parliamentarians returned with a new plan, cutting off the castle's food supply by encircling it with a ditch packed with armed men Within a month the starvation strategy had worked and the garrison surrendered.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Forts and Castles • Wars, Non-US. A significant historical year for this entry is 1645.

Location. 53° 41.728′ N, 1° 18.32′ W. Marker is in Pontefract, England, in West Yorkshire. It can be reached from North Baileygate. On the grounds of Pontefract Castle. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 96 N Baileygate, Pontefract, England WF8 1EH, 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. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: A thousand mouths to feed and water (here, next to this marker); Flower Power (within shouting distance of this marker); John de Lacy (about 90 meters away, measured in a direct

Paid Advertisement

Click or scan to see
this page online

line); Herb Garden (about 120 meters away); Welcome to one of England's largest castles (about 120 meters away); Heard the one about the Trojan Bed? (about 120 meters away); Medieval toilets, drains and mines (about 120 meters away); A Secure Store (about 120 meters away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Pontefract.

Photographed by Ray Gurganus, April 16, 2025

2. Dig for Victory! Marker

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 72 times since then and 11 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.