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

A Secure Store

Pontefract Castle

Photographed by Ray Gurganus, April 16, 2025

1. A Secure Store Marker

Inscription. The dungeon was first carved out of solid rock by hand around 950 years ago and has been extended over the years. It was originally a secure store for the Norman Lords' valuables, but during the 1640s it was used as a secure store- for prisoners!

Parliamentarian troops were held captive here during the Civil Wars. Many passed the time carving their names in the rock using their metal belt buckles.

Even after the heaviest rain, the dungeon doesn't flood. Natural faults in the rock keep it dry. One of the natural cracks was used by the prisoners as a toilet. Can you imagine the smell?

Did you know?
The dungeon was re-opened in the 18th century when it was used to store the liquorice grown on the inner bailey.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Forts and Castles. In addition, it is included in the If You've Got to Go... series list.

Location. 53° 41.72′ N, 1° 18.196′ 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. 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); Herb Garden

Paid Advertisement

Click or scan to see
this page online

(within shouting distance of 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 (about 90 meters away, measured in a direct line); Flower Power (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

Credits. This page was last revised on July 6, 2025. It was originally submitted on July 6, 2025, by Ray Gurganus of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 61 times since then and 13 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 6, 2025, by Ray Gurganus of Washington, District of Columbia. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.