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ontefract Castle is located in West Yorkshire to the east of Leeds. It is most famous for being the place that Richard II, the King of England, was murdered in 1400. The castle was destroyed at the end of the English Civil wars although some remains can still be visited.


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1311    Lancaster's marriage provides more power
   The marriage of Thomas, Earl of Lancaster to Alice de Lacy, the heiress of the of the powerful Henry de Lacy, gave the Earl even more titles and properties. One of these properties was Pontefract Castle in Yorkshire. 
1321  May 24  Meeting at Pontefract
   Lancester held the first of two meetings to gather support of Barons and the clergy to remove the Despensers from power. The second meeting at Sherborn-in-Elmet near York was held on June 28th.1 
1322  Qtr 1  Edward attacks the Marcher Lords
   Edward advanced up the Severn Valley and crossed the river at Shrewsbury. Several of the Marcher Lords surrendered to the King without a fight. Lancaster had moved to his base at Pontefract. The King took time to take control the castles belonging to the Marcher Lords.1 
  Mar 16  Battle of Boroughbridge
   Lancaster left his base at Pontract and headed north. At the bridge crossing the river Ure at Boroughbridge he was halted by an army led by Andrew Harcley, the Earl of Carlisle. Harcley held the bridge against Lancaster's attacks and Lancaster was forced to surrender. Lancaster was taken back to Pontefract Castle where Edward had taken control. 
  Mar 22  Lancaster Executed
   Edward finally had his revenge for the death of Gaveston when Thomas, the Earl of Lancaster, was executed outside the walls of Pontefract Castle.1 
1399  Aug  Richard is captured
   Richard returned to England landing in Wales. Richard was captured at Conway Castle and was moved to Pontefract Castle where he was imprisoned.2 
1400  Feb  Death of Richard II
   Richard II died some time between the 9th and 17th of February 1400 while being imprisoned at Pontefract Castle. The cause of his death is not known. He died at the age of 33.3 
1483  Jun 25  Earl Rivers is executed
   Anthony Woodville was executed at Pontefract Castle. 
Early Modern Period (1500-1800) - Under Construction
1536  Oct 21  Pilgrimage of Grace
   Following the earlier Lincoln rebellion, a larger rebellion began further north in Yorkshire. This rebellion again protested against Henry VIII's unpopular policies and advisers. They wanted Henry to put a stop to the dissolution of the monasteries and they wanted the removal of the Archbishop of Canterbury, Thomas Cranmer and Henry's adviser Thomas Cromwell. The leader of the rebellion was Robert Aske, a lawyer and excellent organiser. Somewhere between 30,000 and 35,000 rebels were involved and they took control of Pontefract Castle which fell to them without any resistance. 
  Dec  Rebels list demands
   At Pontefract the rebel leaders presented a list of demands. The rebels were assured of free pardons. 


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The map shows the location of this medieval building and other buildings close to it. Coastline and rivers nearby are also shown. Click on the icons to see more information about the medieval place.Select the 'Centre Map Here' option to move the selected place to the centre of the map. Zoom in and outusing the small portcullis icons at the top right of the map.

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County: West Yorkshire

Nearby PlaceKm
York Minster33.10
Roche Abbey33.69
Conisbrough Castle24.13
York Castle (Clifford's Tower)32.56
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Selection of references used:

1. Caroline Bingham, The Life and Times of Edward II
2. Peter Earle, The Life and Times of Henry V
3. Michael Senior, The Life and Times of Richard II, 1981

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Medieval and Middle Ages History Timelines - Pontefract Castle
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