Just on the edge of the Yorkshire village of Spofforth, sits this charming ruin of a fortified manor house.
Its small size belies it's importance in history.
We had perfect weather for our visit, and really enjoyed exploring this fascinating place.
Go about 3 miles North from Wetherby on the A661. When you get to the roundabout in Spofforth village, go straight on following Castle Street.
A free to visit ruin in North Yorkshire, which has played an important role in England's history and was the original seat of the Percy family, the powerful Earls of Northumberland.
Built by William de Percy after the Norman conquest, Spofforth hosted a meeting of the baronial families who compiled the provisions of the Magna Carta.
It was confiscated by Henry IV after the Percys rebelled against him, and burned by the Earl of Warwick following the Yorkist victory at the Battle of Towton.
Despite being rebuilt in 1559, the Percys had moved their seat to Alnwick castle, and the castle never recovered from the damage caused by Cromwell during the English Civil War.
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