What remains of the once mighty defence of Ravensworth Castle is now all but a remarkable 14th century ruin, whose stones now only whisper tales of medieval power, decline, and conservation.
Documents suggest a structure stood on this site stretching back to the 11th century, possibly built during Henry II’s reign for defence against Scottish incursions. The earliest written record appears in 1201, when King John visited, reflecting the site’s early importance. The present castle was constructed in the late 14th century by Henry FitzHugh, 3rd Lord FitzHugh (also 1st Baron), who in 1391 secured a licence to enclose a 200-acre deer park, bounded by what is now the substantial park wall. The FitzHughs, a family of considerable influence and royal connections (including ties to Henry IV and V), transformed the site into a fortified manor house, featuring a quadrangular plan with towers, gatehouse, chapel, and belfry and embracing moat.
Built of sandstone rubble with ashlar facing, the structure comprises the three-story northeast tower attached to an impressive gatehouse. A curtain wall connects to fragments of at least two additional towers, a chapel tower or belfry, and a largely intact 2metre high park wall, dry moat and marshy surroundings enhanced its defence. The gatehouse features a double order depressed arch, portcullis slot, cruciform loopholes, garderobes, and internal fireplaces—all visible in the remaining ruins.
Following the extinction of the male FitzHugh line in 1512/13, the castle passed through the Parr line but the last William, Earl of Essex, died without issue and it passed to the Crown in 1571. In the mid-16th century, it fell into disuse and was systematically quarried for building materials, with stones reused for local properties. By around 1616, much of the original structure had been demolished, leaving just the gatehouse walls and fragments. Surrounding estate development shifted focus elsewhere, yet coal mining beneath the site triggered subsidence in the 20th century, further undermining the ruins.
Today, Ravensworth Castle is protected both as a Grade I listed building and a scheduled ancient monument. Its unique medieval gatehouse and park wall survive despite being classified “at risk”. Though situated upon private land with limited direct access, public footpaths nearby offer excellent vantage points.
Address: Ravensworth Castle, Richmond DL11 7ET, UK
Books by Dr Emma Wells
