Friday, January 14, 2011

Skipton Castle, North Yorkshire

Skipton Castle Gatehouse


Skipton (underlined in red on the map above) is only 42.5 miles from York and 58.6 miles from the Manchester airport. York to Hawes is 68 miles, and Hawes to Skipton is 42 miles. Although the whole area is relatively small, you could spend months there without exhausting all the fascinating places there are to explore.

One of them is Skipton Castle.

Skipton Castle in North Yorkshire

Watchtower (right)


Just to give some perspective: Gus is about 6'2"

Lady Anne Clifford's yew tree which she planted in the courtyard in 1659!
You remember:  about 40 years after the Pilgrims landed in America. 

From the brochure: Skipton Castle is one of the best-preserved and most complete medieval castles in England, despite enduring a three-year siege in the Civil War. After the Battle of Marston Moor it was the only Royalist stronghold left in the north. At last the governor, Sir John Mallory, negotiated a surrender, and on 21st December 1645 the garrison marched out with colours flying and trumpets sounding. Cromwell ordered the removal of the castle roofs; but only ten years later the owner, Lady Anne Clifford, was allowed to replace them - on condition they were not strong enough to bear firing cannon.

March means daffodils

Clifford coat of arms at the castle entrance

The hearth








Whoa! This place is built like...a....CASTLE!!


Two of the cannon that protected Skipton Castle during the Civil War

Windows in the kitchen


Hefty rafters in the kitchen. You'll notice I spent a lot of time in the kitchen, but I couldn't seem to locate the KitchenAid mixer or automatic dishwasher.



Chapel of St. John the Evangelist


Looking out from Chapel of St. John the Evangelist


 The granary



 My favorite American tourists


 Canal and walkway (old towpath?) behind the castle


The Watchtower 



Friendly natives who pointed the way to Sheep Street



 Narrow boats in the Skipton canal basin. They reminded me of the Inspector Morse episode, 'The Wench is Dead,' one of my favorites!

And now, if you'd like to see a really gorgeous photo of a narrow boat and ducks in the Skipton canal basin, see This pic by Jenny at Saltaire Daily Photo.

I need to return to Skipton to get more photos of the narrow boats, the Woolly Sheep Inn with its great British pub ambience, and the Wednesday market.

17 comments:

Unknown said...

I love love love old buildings like that! And those roots of that tree are amazing!!

J_on_tour said...

A nice new look for your blog. Fascinating post about this grand and well preserved castle. Even though I passed through the town last year, I only managed the time to photograph the castle from the outside as I opted for photographic moments of the canal area. You have inspired me to return as it's been a long time since I was inside and I can only remember the courtyard tree and the kitchen windows.

Under Her Wings said...

My youngest daughter spent a summer as a summer missionary on a canal boat in England's canals. They stopped at the quaint little villages and did evangelistic work. That was her first mission trip! Beautiful pictures. Makes me miss Europe.

Michelle said...

I wish I could pack my bags and go! Lovely as always!

Rachel said...

I love these pictures! Please take me next time you go!! :)

Happy Friday!!

:)
Rach

Kimberley said...

I liked the Nook because of the color screen on the bottom and the ability to "lend" books to others who have a Nook. But if you are looking into getting an e-reader, check with your local library. Ours is starting a program in the next couple of months that will lend books to ereaders but it will NOT be compatible with the Kindle. If you have the $$ I HIGHLY recommend the Nook Color. It has everything, and will soon be able to be used like a tablet when B&N releases apps for it.

Heide said...

Ohhhh! Another one for the list!
It is so beautiful!!

Love the names too! :)

Anonymous said...

Gorgeous!!! I get a peaceful, quiet feeling looking at your pictures. I can just imagine the silent feel of the mossy stones . . .

Jean at The Delightful Repast said...

Wish those windows were in MY kitchen! I'm sorry I read this post (no, not really)--now I am SO mad at myself for not knowing about this place years ago! It's such a short way from Haworth, I could have just dashed over there after seeing the Bronte Parsonage Museum. I was in Haworth for a few days. Oh well ... next time.

Deborah said...

I love the photos. Everything looks so interesting to see and find out the history. Also love the new blog look. Good job! :)

Tiffanee said...

That is beautiful and fascinating!! Makes me want to do some traveling right now.

partialemptynester said...

Helloooo!!! It's a dreary, overcast day here in Texas, perfect for imagining that I'm inside this very post!

I'm baaack, looking forward to catching up :)

partialemptynester said...

PS...LOVE your new header!

jennyfreckles said...

Ooh, I recognise this place! I love that old yew tree - think what it must have seen. And thanks for the mention too.

Mama Hen said...

First, the previous post is adorable! Next, your header looks wonderful! I love that picture! And these pictures from this post are fabulous! That yew tree is spectaular! My sisiter and her husband were married at a castle in England. I have to find out which one. Have a great day!

Mama Hen

Midwest to Midlands said...

Great tour of Skipton Castle, somewhere else to add to the ever growing list!

Maristela said...

Thankfully, a castle on the way ... the British are respectful and keepers of their history and culture, where the ruins are deposits of sheep dung. Where is the furniture of the castle? Pocketed by the "poor" crown royal? Beautiful pictures, thanks for posting ...

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