A vanished castle

The great tower was once part of a much larger castle, which probably included an inner and outer bailey, and possibly a barbican. This map is based upon Ordnance Survey material with the permission of Ordnance Survey on behalf of the Controller of Her Majesty’s Stationery Office © Crown copyright. Unauthorised reproduction infringes Crown copyright and may lead to prosecution or civil proceedings. English Heritage 100019088. 2006 The stone keep is all that remains of a strongly defended castle, which occupied the entire spur of the hillside in medieval times.

The Norman count of Aumale, Baldwin de Bethune, probably built the castle in the middle of the 12th century. It was used as a residence for over 150 years by a succession of important lords and earls.

Ruined sections of a curtain wall and an additional tower, visible until the early 20th century, suggest that the castle occupied a much larger area than today. A bailey probably lay beyond the keep, containing buildings such as the hall, chapel and kitchen.

The great tower, probably built around 1200, was at least three stories high. The ground floor was most likely used as a storeroom, and external stone stairs led to the main entrance on the first floor.

This room was probably for public business, with withdrawing chambers and storage space for treasures and documents on the upper floors.  Recesses in the walls, which you can still see today, were used as cupboards or latrines.