What is recorded here

Pontefract Castle layers a late Saxon cemetery and town ditch beneath a Norman motte and bailey, then a medieval enclosure castle. Wakefield still holds the shape of that repeated rebuilding. Stones from one age lock around bones and ditches from another, forcing every resident to share the same ground across centuries.

The National Heritage List for England records Pontefract Castle: part of late Saxon cemetery and town ditch, Norman motte and bailey castle and later medieval enclosure castle as a scheduled monument. The saved point comes from the centre supplied by the official record. Listing does not by itself mean that the public may enter the place.

Built initially as a Norman motte and bailey castle in the 11th century and later developed into a medieval enclosure castle, Pontefract Castle was held by the de Lacy family and later became a key stronghold of the Crown. It is important for its long history of military and political significance, including its role in the English Civil War and the imprisonment and death of King Richard II.

The historic-place record does not grant public access. Check current conditions and ownership before entering land or a building.