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

Flower Power

Pontefract Castle

Photographed by Ray Gurganus, April 16, 2025

1. Flower Power Marker

Inscription. Pontefract's keep, built on the original earthen motte, is of an unusual design. Today only three of a possible six towers remain.

Records from 1530 reveal that the keep was 'cast into six roundells, three bigge and three smaull. ' From the air this would have given the keep the shape of a flower's petals. Overhanging turrets projecting from the upper floor gave the castle a fairytale appearance.

The keep had three storeys, each with five or six rooms. The upper floor was supported from beneath by stone vaults so it could bear the weight of cannon. As such it was known as the artelere (artillery).

Did you know?
Pontefract Castle is known to have had 12 towers (the keep is classed as one). They were often named after people associated with the castle.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Forts and Castles. A significant historical year for this entry is 1530.

Location. 53° 41.697′ N, 1° 18.275′ W. Marker is in Castle Lodge, 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: 2 Castle Garth, Castle Lodge, 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: John de Lacy (within shouting distance of this marker); Welcome to one of England's largest castles

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(within shouting distance of this marker); Herb Garden (within shouting distance of this marker); Dig for Victory! (within shouting distance of this marker); A thousand mouths to feed and water (within shouting distance of this marker); Heard the one about the Trojan Bed? (about 90 meters away, measured in a direct line); A Secure Store (about 90 meters away); Medieval toilets, drains and mines (about 120 meters away).

$Pontefract Castle image. Click for full size.$

Photographed by Ray Gurganus, April 16, 2025

2. Pontefract Castle

Credits. This page was last revised on July 23, 2025. It was originally submitted on July 23, 2025, by Ray Gurganus of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 69 times since then and 8 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 23, 2025, by Ray Gurganus of Washington, District of Columbia. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.