Spofforth Castle started out as a Manor House in the 11th century, built by William de Percy, who was a favourite of William the Conqueror.  It is said that the Magna Carter was drawn up here by rebel barons in 1215.

A later William de Percy was granted a licence to hold a Friday market in the town by Henry III in 1224. Then in 1308 Henry de Percy was granted a licence to fortify the manor.

The Percy’s supported the House of Lancaster in the War of the Roses. After the battle of Towton in 1461, the Earl of Warwick led the victorious Yorkist side to Spofforth, burning the castle and plundering the local countryside. After this, the castle lay in ruins for almost 100 years; in 1559 Lord Henry Percy restored the castle. At this time the seat of the Percy’s had shifted to Northumberland, Alnwick to be precise.

The castle steward Sampson Ingleby was the last recorded occupant of the castle, who died in 1604. The castle was finally reduced to ruin during the Civil War. Charles Henry, Baron Leconfield, transferred ownership to the state by deed of gift in 1924.

These days only the ruins of the west wing, which housed the main apartments still remains. All that remains of the remainder of the manor are earthworks and low walls.

The first time I visited Spofforth Castle was back in 27/02/2010, when Susie, Ben, Aimee and I went for a drive out, and ended up at Spofforth. We had a walk around the Castle ruins, and the grounds. The next time was 05/08/2017, when I took Rianna & Lisa out for a couple of hours, going to Eccup reservoir, and then on to Spofforth. On both visits, we all enjoyed our visit. If you just want to get out for a bit of fresh air for an hour or so, I would recommend a visit to Spofforth Castle. It is free to visit, and with free parking on the village streets, is makes for a cheap place to visit.