Wressle Castle

Wressle Castle is a quadrangular fortified residence built from limestone in the 14th century. The structure comprises four ranges of buildings arranged around a central courtyard, with the south range being the most substantially preserved today.

Thomas Percy commissioned the castle as a fortified residence in 1390, but his rebellion against King Henry IV led to royal confiscation of the property. This turning point triggered a long period of decline and abandonment for the site.

The castle served as a family seat and shows how the nobility lived during medieval times. The arrangement of buildings around the courtyard reveals how residents organized their daily activities and managed both comfort and security.

The site is surrounded by a moat and best explored on foot to appreciate the four-range layout around the central courtyard. Wear sturdy shoes and prepare for uneven ground, as portions of the ruin remain partially exposed beneath the surface.

The moats surrounding the castle remain visible today and shape the site's appearance, even though many medieval fortifications have long disappeared. These water-filled trenches served both defensive and drainage purposes, providing evidence of the original engineering design.

Location: Wressle

Inception: 1390s

Architects: John Lewyn

Made from material: limestone

GPS coordinates: 53.77550,-0.92929

Latest update: December 8, 2025 19:58