Ravensworth Castle (North Yorkshire)

Ravensworth Castle is a ruined 14th-century castle in the village of Ravensworth, North Yorkshire, England. It has been designated a Grade I listed building by English Heritage.

Ravensworth Castle
Location within North Yorkshire
General information
Town or city	Ravensworth
Country	United Kingdom
Coordinates	54.4598°N 1.7841°W / 54.4598; -1.7841
Owner	Mrs R Brown (2014)[1]

History

The earliest reference to the castle records a visit from King John in 1201.^[2]

The remaining parts of Ravensworth Castle date from the late 14th century, when it belonged to Henry, 1st Baron FitzHugh.^[3][4] In 1391 he enclosed 200 acres (81 ha) around the castle, creating a park.^[5] The castle was gradually dismantled, starting in the 16th century, and the stone was used for other buildings in the area.^[5]

Ravensworth Castle and Park Wall were given a Grade I listed building designation by English Heritage on 4 February 1969.^[3] The Grade I listing is for buildings "of exceptional interest, sometimes considered to be internationally important".^[6] The castle and nearby earthworks have been designated a scheduled monument.^[3]

Architecture

The castle is located on the south-east side of Ravensworth.^[7]

The castle is surrounded by a dry moat.^[4] Constructed of sandstone and faced with ashlar, the remaining structure consists of a three-storey tower attached to a gatehouse, with further wall and tower fragments.^[3][5]