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

A thousand mouths to feed and water

Pontefract Castle

Photographed by Ray Gurganus, April 16, 2025

1. A thousand mouths to feed and water Marker

Inscription. In the castle's medieval heyday up to one thousand people had to be fed. Only the king spent more money on his household than the Lord of Pontefract Castle!

Even on a quiet day around 200 gallons of ale were drunk, most of which was brewed on site, and records show that in just a three month period in 1320, 480 wooden drinking vessels were bought.

The bakehouse may have had as many as four ovens. Only the remains of the two larger ovens can still be seen.

Next to the two remaining ovens is the shaft of the garderobe from the floor above. This will have channelled toilet waste right next to the oven!

Did you know?
King Richard was held prisoner in the rooms above the bakehouse. He starved to death surrounded by the smell of freshly baked bread.

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° 41.73′ N, 1° 18.319′ 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: 100 N Baileygate, Pontefract, England WF8 1EJ, 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

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walking distance of this marker: Dig for Victory! (here, next to this marker); Flower Power (within shouting distance of this marker); John de Lacy (about 120 meters away, measured in a direct 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.

$Pontefract Castle. Marker on the right. image. Click for full size.$

Photographed by Ray Gurganus, April 16, 2025

2. Pontefract Castle. Marker on the right.

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 73 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.