Guidebook: Conisbrough Castle

Conisbrough Castle's magnificent 12th-century great tower, rising above the ruined walls of its inner bailey and its tree-covered hill, is one of England’s most striking landmarks. In the 11th century, the castle was the centre of a great lordship, given by William the Conqueror to one of his most trusted followers, William de Warenne. In the mid-12th century, the castle was inherited by Isabel de Warenne, one of the greatest heiresses of her age. She married Hamelin of Anjou, Henry II’s illegitimate half-brother, and it was probably Hamelin who built the great tower in the 1170s or 1180s. Remarkably preserved, the tower still dominates the castle and town of Conisbrough. Conisbrough passed to King Edward III’s son Edmund of Langley, and the castle played a role in the 15th century Wars of the Roses. Abandoned by the early 16th century, Conisbrough became a picturesque ruin and inspired the novelist Sir Walter Scott to write his most famous novel, Ivanhoe, published in 1819. This new guide gives a full tour and history of Conisbrough Castle and is beautifully illustrated with newly commissioned reconstruction drawings, plans, photographs and comparative historical images. Key Features: 40 pages Paperback Published in 2015