Some places in England are not as easy to get to on the train as others, and far flung castles are some of the hardest, so when my brother visited for two weeks and rented a car, we took the opportunity to visit a few. We also visited Abbeys, Ruins, Cathedrals, and Minsters, but I'll save those for other posts! These are the castles we visited in the Yorkshire Dales. We started at...
Raby Castle
"Home to Lord Barnard's family since 1626, Raby is one of the finest medieval Castles in England. Built by the mighty Nevill family in the 14th Century, Raby remained in the Nevill family until 1569 when after the failure of the Rising of the North, the Castle and its lands were forfeited to the Crown. In 1626, Sir Henry Vane the Elder purchased Raby and the Castle has remained in the Vane family ever since."
Raby castle is still a family home, so we couldn't take photos inside,
but here are a few from the lovely gardens.
The Gatehouse.
The Deer Park.
Barnard Castle
"Set on a high rock above the River Tees, Barnard Castle takes its name from its 12th century founder, Bernard de Balliol. It was later developed by the Beauchamp family and then passed into the hands of Richard III. With fantastic views over the Tees Gorge this fortress sits on the fringe of an attractive working market town also known as ‘Barney’ "
Barnard Castle has been a ruin since much of it was used to build Raby Castle,
originally owned by the same family.
It still has lovely views over the river.
Richmond Castle
"The castle was originally built so the ruling Normans could quell the resistant, troublesome northerners, and with its dramatic hilltop position the centuries have done nothing to dim its grandeur. The buildings, all but one of them dating back to medieval times, cluster around a large central grassed area with magnificent views over the river a hundred feet below."
Richmond castle is also a ruin, but the views and town are well worth a visit.
Bolton Castle
"Bolton is one of the country's best preserved medieval castles, situated in the heart of Wensleydale with stunning views over the Yorkshire Dales National Park. Completed in 1399 by Richard le Scrope, Chancellor of England to Richard II, its scars bear testament to over 600 years of fascinating history including involvement in the Pilgrimage of Grace, Mary Queen of Scots imprisonment and a Civil War siege. The castle has never been sold and remains in the private ownership of Lord Bolton, Sir Richard le Scrope’s direct descendant"
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This is the BEST masons mark I've ever seen!
Embroidery replica of a piece done by Mary Queen of Scots when she was held
captive here at Bolton Castle.
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Tristan's Court Cupboard?
Mary Queen of Scots slept here.
The kitchen garden and hedge maze.
View over the Yorkshire Dales from the roof of Bolton Castle..JPG)
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And did those feet in ancient time.
Walk upon Englands mountains green:
And was the holy Lamb of God,
On Englands pleasant pastures seen!
And did the Countenance Divine,
Shine forth upon our clouded hills?
And was Jerusalem builded here,
Among these dark Satanic Mills?
Bring me my Bow of burning gold;
Bring me my Arrows of desire:
Bring me my Spear: O clouds unfold!
Bring me my Chariot of fire!
I will not cease from Mental Fight,
Nor shall my Sword sleep in my hand:
Till we have built Jerusalem,
In Englands green and pleasant land
-William Blake
