Pickering's Rich Heritage - Castles, History, and More in Yorkshire

King of the Castle

Pickering Castle is a classic 12th century motte-and-bailey castle. The grassy mount and the curtain walls punctuated by tall towers are the most prominent features of this royal fortress. The mound was raised by William the Conqueror, and the stonework added for Henry III as a necessary defence against the Scots. The last additions to the defences of the castle were the outer entrance, curtain wall and three towers, built on the orders of Edward II.