Spofforth Castle

Spofforth Castle is a medieval castle ruin located in a small village in Yorkshire. The remaining stone structures include a hall-tower with basement rooms, internal staircases carved into bedrock, and multi-story chambers featuring a distinctive polygonal stair turret.

The fortified residence was founded in 1400 by Henry de Percy as a stronghold for his family. During the English Civil War from 1642 to 1646, it suffered significant damage that led to its eventual abandonment and decline into ruins.

The castle served as a seat of power for the influential Percy family across medieval England. What visitors see today in the stonework reflects the status and importance these nobles held in their region.

The site is open year-round and maintained by English Heritage for public access. Visitors should wear sturdy footwear as the ground is uneven and some sections involve stepping over damaged stonework or navigating changes in elevation.

The eastern wall incorporates natural rock formations into its structure, with two internal staircases carved entirely from the bedrock. This practical approach shows how medieval builders worked directly with the landscape to strengthen and economize their construction.

Location: Spofforth with Stockeld

Inception: 14 century

Founders: Henry de Percy, 1st Baron Percy

Website: https://english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/spofforth-castle

GPS coordinates: 53.95480,-1.45250

Latest update: December 8, 2025 19:50