Scarborough in North Yorkshire, England, United Kingdom — Northwestern Europe (the British Isles)

A Royal Castle

Scarborough Castle

Photographed by Ray Gurganus, April 15, 2025

1. A Royal Castle Marker

Inscription. Scarborough Castle was founded in around 1138 by William le Gros, Count of Aumâle. With strong natural defences and command of a good harbour, the castle became one of the most important in the north of England. Its buildings were developed on an impressive scale by several English kings and their ruins are fascinating to explore.

King Henry seized Scarborough Castle from Will Gros, and between 1157 and 1169 he built the great tower that still dominates the site. Henry's son John added the new outer wall overlooking the town twenty years later. The magnificent fortified bridge that still guards access to the headland was constructed by Henry in 1243-4.

There also survive in the castle the remains of a late medieval chapel and many domestic buildings, including the hall and chamber laid out by King John between 1207 and 1212.

The castle was besieged on many occasions. It was at Scarborough that Edward's favourite Piers Gasson was captured before his brutal execution in 1312. During the religious rebellion of 1536, known as the Pilgrimage of Grace the royal forces at the castle successfully held out again the rebels.

The

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inner bailey of the castle would have been surrounded by buildings in the Middle Ages. It was the heart of the castle and during royal visits would have been full of noise and people. You can imagine the former splendour of this area, dominated by the massive outline of the great tower.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Forts and Castles.

Location. 54° 17.267′ N, 0° 23.372′ W. Marker is in Scarborough, England, in North Yorkshire. It is on Castle Road. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Scarborough, England YO11, United Kingdom. Touch for directions.

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

Globally, it is on 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: Scarborough Castle (here, next to this marker); The First Settlements (here, next to

Scarborough Castle ruins image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Ray Gurganus, April 15, 2025

2. Scarborough Castle ruins

this marker); Besieged (here, next to this marker); World War I (here, next to this marker); Gun Batteries (here, next to this marker); Smuggler & Apprentice (approx. 0.6 kilometers away); Newborough Bar and Borough Gaol, 1845 (approx. 0.9 kilometers away); Charles Laughton (approx. 1.4 kilometers away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Scarborough.

Interior of Scarborough Castle image. Click for full size.

3. Interior of Scarborough Castle

Credits. This page was last revised on July 6, 2025. It was originally submitted on July 5, 2025, by Ray Gurganus of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 91 times since then and 19 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on July 5, 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?