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Sandal Castle
Sandal Castle is to be found just outside Wakefield, at Sandal
Magna.
Wakefield was held by the De Warenne Earls of Surrey, during Norman
times. The original castle was in Wakefield, but this was abandoned
in 1157, and they moved to the Sandal Castle site. Originally,
this was a wooden motte and bailey, but was gradually replaced
by stone from the late 12th century onwards, by the De Warennes.
The main claim to fame for Sandal castle, is that
it was the site of the Battle of Wakefield, in 1460, where Richard,
Duke of York, was slain. The children's rhyme "The Grand old
Duke of York" is based on the battle.
During the Civil War, in the 1640's, Sandal Castle
was besieged twice by Parliamentary forces. It was later stripped
of it's defences.
Archaeological digs in the 1960's led to the discovery
of the well preserved footings seen today. It was a strong castle,
of unusual design.
Today, you can freely visit the site, approximately
1.5 miles out of wakefield, on the Barnsley road. A new visitor's
centre has just been opened. Details can be found here.
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