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

Knaresborough Castle

Photographed by Ray Gurganus, April 18, 2025

1. Knaresborough Castle Marker

Inscription. There has been a castle here since at least the 12th century, but today the earliest surviving structure on site is the undercroft of the Courthouse building.

Throughout its history the castle has been in Royal control or held directly by the crown. Today it belongs to the Duchy of Lancaster and is managed by Harrogate Borough Council.

You are standing by the remains of the outer wall. Ahead of you is the outer ward and the remains of the 14th century King's Tower. The original entrance gateway was next to this tower with a drawbridge across the dry ditch or moat. The outer word would have been full of life with activities such as milling, brewing, baking and smelting.

During the English Civil War, Parliament ordered that the Castle be demolished and this had started by 1648. However, the townspeople successfully asked for the King's Tower to be kept for use as a prison and complete demolition was stopped. The Courthouse building remained as an administrative centre.

You can walk in the grounds all year round, but the King's Tower, Courthouse Museum and the Sallyport or underground tunnel are only open during

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the spring/summer season.

Erected by North Yorkshire Council. (Marker Number 1.)

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

Location. 54° 0.442′ N, 1° 28.112′ W. Marker is in Knaresborough, England, in North Yorkshire. It is on Castle Yard. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 10 Castle Yard, Knaresborough, England HG5 8AS, 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: The King's Tower (a few steps from this marker); a different marker also named The King's Tower (within shouting distance of this marker); Nidd Gorge (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Knaresborough Castle (within shouting

Knaresborough Castle image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Ray Gurganus, April 18, 2025

2. Knaresborough Castle

distance of this marker); Sallyport (within shouting distance of this marker); The Courthouse Museum (about 90 meters away, measured in a direct line); The Courthouse (about 90 meters away); Knaresborough Market (about 120 meters away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Knaresborough.

Credits. This page was last revised on July 17, 2025. It was originally submitted on July 13, 2025, by Ray Gurganus of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 70 times since then and 12 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 13, 2025, by Ray Gurganus of Washington, District of Columbia. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.