Remains of a major Norman stone castle located on a rocky outcrop above the river Nidd. It was the location where the murderers of Thomas Becket took refuge after their terrible deed. The Honour and Castle at Knaresborough have often been granted by the monarch of the time to a favoured earl or noble. Henry III granted the Honour and Castle to Hubert de Burgh in 1229 before granting it to his brother Richard, Earl of Cornwall. King Edward II granted the castle to his favourite Piers Gaveston in around 1310 and spent money on the castle to provide palatial accommodation. This was two years before Gaveston was captured and beheaded, In 1372 the castle was granted to John of Gaunt, by his father the King, Edward III.