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TimeRef.com
  • Episodes
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    By Category
    This day in history
  • People
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    Kings and Queens of England Kings of Scotland Kings of France Kings of Denmark Emperors of Byzantine Popes and Antipopes Crusader States and their Rulers
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  1. Home
  2. Medieval Places
  3. Scarborough Castle
Castle
Castle
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Scarborough Castle

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 County

North Yorkshire (11 castles) 

 Categories

Stone / Norman Square Keep / Cliff-top

 Remains

Small amount survives

 Access

Only open at certain times

 Comments

A section of the main keep remains along with parts of the curtain wall.

 Location54.28769,-0.391571 (Google Maps) DirectionsDirections via Google Maps
 County

North Yorkshire (11 castles) 

 Categories

Stone / Norman Square Keep / Cliff-top

 Remains

Small amount survives

 Access

Only open at certain times

 Comments

A section of the main keep remains along with parts of the curtain wall.

 Location
54.28769,-0.391571
 Directions
Directions via Google Maps
carborough Castle is located high on a headland overlooking the seaside town of Scarborough. Three of its sides are protected by the steep cliffs and the sea. It was built by William de Gros, Earl fo Albemarle during the reign of King Stephen. The castle was attacked and captured by King Henry II in 1155. The king decided that the fortifications he found there were not strong enough so major improvements were ordered. The building work continued over several years with the new keep being built between 1158 and 1159. On the side towards the town is a natural ditch and the entrance to the castle is protected by a curtain wall and a gate-house with round towers.

Location

See Also

People

  • Edward (II, King of England 1307-1327)
  • A .. Z List of Medieval People

Related Information

  • Why build and live in castles
  • Castle development timeline
  • Keep and bailey castles
  • Castles of William the Conqueror
  • Motte and bailey castles
  • Shell-Keeps
  • Square keeps
  • Polygonal Keeps
  • Castles of Edward I
  • Parts of a castle
  • Location of lots of castles
  • Castle construction timeline

Related Maps

  • Map of Castles

Related Episodes

Edward II and Piers Gaveston (click here)

Edward II and Piers Gaveston (click here)

Location Map (click to explore)

Timeline

1136

...

Construction of a castle at Scarborough

William le Gros built a castle on the headland at Scarborough.

1155

...

Henry takes Scarborough Castle and Bridgnorth

As part of his attempt to subdue the Barons who had become too powerful during the civil war, Henry took the castle at Scarborough from William of Aumale and Bridgnorth from Hugh Mortimer. ¹

1312

Quarter 1

Edward looks to Scotland for help

Gaveston's return to England forced the Archbishop of Canterbury to honour his threat of excommunication and the Earls to prepare for civil war against the king. Edward and Gaveston travelled to Scotland to seek help from Robert the Bruce but were not welcome. ¹

1312

May 19

Gaveston surrenders

While the Earl of Lancaster set up camp midway between York and Scarborough to prevent Gaveston and the King rejoining, the Earls of Pembroke and Surrey besieged Scarborough castle. The castle was not prepared to withstand the stand-off and Gaveston surrendered after a couple of weeks. The terms of his surrender were generous and Pembroke gave his word that Gaveston would not be harmed until he was presented to Parliament. ¹

1557

April

Scarborough Castle captured

Thomas Stafford, a Protestant, and a small number of followers who had fled from Mary's persecution captured Scarborough Castle on the Yorkshire coast. They did so by entering the castle on market day disguised as peasants. When enough of his men had entered the castle they took control of the gates and let in the rest of the small army. Their hope was to start an uprising against the Queen and this endevour may have been aranged by Henry II, the French King. But within three days Thomas Stafford had been captured. He was taken to London and executed.

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Selection of references used:

  • 1. M.T.Clanchy, England and its Rulers
  • 2. Caroline Bingham, The Life and Times of Edward II

    Location

    See Also

    People

    • Edward (II, King of England 1307-1327)
    • A .. Z List of Medieval People

    Related Information

    • Why build and live in castles
    • Castle development timeline
    • Keep and bailey castles
    • Castles of William the Conqueror
    • Motte and bailey castles
    • Shell-Keeps
    • Square keeps
    • Polygonal Keeps
    • Castles of Edward I
    • Parts of a castle
    • Location of lots of castles
    • Castle construction timeline

    Related Maps

    • Map of Castles

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