Spofforth Castle, North Yorkshire

This week we visit a fortified manor house that belonged to the powerful Percy family. Left ruinous and in a state of decay, this manor house was here as early as the 11th Century, and are located in the middle of the village of Spofforth in North Yorkshire, these ruins here are quite atmospheric, with it’s own story to tell. So join us as we explore Spofforth castle.

The castle itself is situated on a small rocky outcrop that overlooks the village of Spofforth, the medieval manor house was arranged around a courtyard, but sadly only the west range which contains the principal apartments still stands, now only some earthworks and some low walls remains of the north south and eastern ranges.

To enter inside, we head down a flight of steep steps that lead from the courtyard to the ground floor of the west range. Right at the southern end of here is the earliest part of the building that dates to the 13th century, the building was then extended to the north with a suite of comfortable living chambers and a stair turret and parapet walk were also added at this time.

This stylish new hall was beautifully decorated and well-lit with large windows on each side. You can just make out were the fireplace was set into the north wall but the hall would have been absolutely wonderful to dine and entertain guests in and with fine views over the parklands too.

Again, sadly nothing remains of the hall but looking around gives you some idea on how lavish the Percy’s wanted their castle to look with the ornate detailing in the windows and the three stone columns that would have once supported the floor to the great hall. This room in particular has a certain atmosphere to it with how weathered and open to the elements it is. If you look closely too, you can even see some of the remains of burn marks in the bricks from when the castle was plundered and destroyed during the civil war.

The door in the north east corner leads on into a Garderobe or a Latrine tower. On the first floor a passage, now ruined would have lead from a private chapel and chamber and gave easy access to the great hall. The great hall would have also been entered though a doorway at the south end of the eastern wall where it would have more than likely been a passageway that lead to the buttery and kitchen. You can still see around the great chamber walls the marks of the vaulted ceiling and their windows.

Probably the most notable part of the chamber is the turret which is known as the round tower, legend has it that the round tower is home to a resident ghost, a lady that appears in the top of the tower window in a blueish/white description and will suddenly will jump to her death, what makes this even more odd is the fact that she is seen with only the upper half of her body. This one was an odd one to read about, I wonder what made her remain at the tower, or why she felt the need to jump but paranormal investigators have had no such luck in speaking with her as apparently she disappears as quickly as she jumps. This is more than likely another story boosted by people’s amazing imaginations around these mysterious and empty ruins.

You more than likely will only spend a short while exploring the remains of Spofforth, but what I really like about this castle is how it fires the imagination and provides a pause for thought for history lovers, it’s worth taking some lunch and enjoying the surrounding park whilst viewing the once grand and important manor home.

Unfortunately there is no toilets or facilities, but you can park up on the roads just outside for free, another important thing to note is the accessibility throughout, it has very steep steps leading down that might be an issue for some, but don’t be put off by that and come explore some of North Yorkshires hidden remains.

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Till Next Time!