Pontefract in West Yorkshire, England, United Kingdom — Northwestern Europe (the British Isles)
Off with their heads!
Pontefract Castle
Photographed by Ray Gurganus, April 16, 2025
1. Off with their heads! Marker
Spared being drawn and quartered, Thomas was beheaded for treason outside the walls of his own castle. Shortly afterwards Thomas was locally honoured as a saint when miracles began to happen at the site of his execution and his reputed tomb in Pontefract Priory. It is said that one man's eyesight was restored as was the life of a child who had died three days before.
When Henry VIII's back was turned during a royal tour of the provinces in 1541, his wife, Catherine Howard, and her lover, Sir Thomas Culpeper (Henry's close friend!), began a passionate affair in the Royal Apartments above the Great Hall in front of you. A letter written by Catherine to Culpeper was found soon after and the pair were executed for treason without trial.
Did you know?
The King's and Queen's Towers stood over 18 metres toll - the height of 10 adults.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Forts and Castles • Law Enforcement. A significant historical year for this entry is 1322.
Location. 53° 41.76′ N, 1° 18.192′ W.
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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 Key to the North (a few steps from this marker); Medieval toilets, drains and mines (a few steps from this marker); Pretty (hot) in pink (within shouting distance of this marker); Kirkebi Anglo Saxon Church (within shouting distance of this marker); Heard the one about the Trojan Bed? (within shouting distance of this marker); A Secure Store (within shouting distance of this marker); Herb Garden (about 90 meters away, measured in a direct line); Welcome to one of England's largest castles
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 74 times since then and 11 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.
