Pontefract Castle
WF8 1QH Castle Garth Pontefract
Pontefract Castle - King Richard II
King Richard II banished John of Gaunt’s son from England, Henry Bolingbroke, and after Gaunt’s death Richard took his cousin’s (Henry) inheritance. Henry Bolingbroke later invaded England, whilst Richard was in Ireland, and reclaimed his inheritance, Richard surrendered and abdicated. Richard was imprisoned and is thought to have died in Pontefract Castle, West Yorkshire. Henry claimed the throne. King Richard was probably held in the Gascoigne Tower also known as the Red Tower where he possibly died of starvation but could have been murdered.
Pontefract Castle, West Yorkshire is a castle ruin and was built around 1070, it was the principal royal castle in the North of England and an important castle during the Wars of the Roses and the Civil War. In 2020 the Pontefract Castle was awarded ‘Travellers’ Choice of the Best of the Best’ by Trip-advisor.
Entrance is free.
Castle Grounds - Monday to Friday 8.30 am to 4.30 pm
Visitor Centre – Monday to Sunday 11.00 am to 3.00 pm
Check the website if you intend to visit.
Journey by train from London to Pontefract Tanshelf takes on average 2 to 3 hours (2 hours 4 minutes being the fastest train) departing from King’s Cross Station.
It is an 18-minute walk from the station to Pontefract Castle (via Northgate) – 5 minutes in a taxi (via Stuart Road and Horse Fair). The castle is a short walk from the town centre.