South Cowton Castle

South Cowton Castle is a fortified residence in North Yorkshire with a rectangular layout and two towers at the southwestern and northeastern corners rising across three stories. The building now functions as a private farmhouse located just off the B1263 road near Atley Hill.

Sir Richard Conyers built this fortified residence in 1470 during the Wars of the Roses, making it one of the oldest surviving structures from that period in the region. The building reflects the defensive needs of a prominent local family during unsettled times.

The castle stands near St Mary's Church and overlooks field patterns that mark where the medieval village once lay. This setting ties the structure to the land's past in a tangible way.

The building sits in a rural setting surrounded by fields, so visitors should plan appropriate routes to reach it. Keep in mind that this is a private residence, so access is limited and visiting from a distance may be the best option.

A roof collapse in 1979 caused significant damage, but extensive restoration work between 1980 and 1982 secured the medieval structure for the future. These efforts saved the building from deterioration and preserved its original character.

Location: South Cowton

GPS coordinates: 54.41604,-1.54767

Latest update: December 9, 2025 12:26