Once called the Windsor of the North Middleham Castle was home to Richard III

Middleham Castle lies in the Northern part of Yorkshire in Wensleydale. Originally it was a motte and bailey castle built app. 400 metres from the current location. However, in the 13^th century it came into the hands of the Nevilles, who rebuilt it at the present site, probably in order to secure access to a couple of wells located in the now heavily fortified castle. In 1460 the Richard Neville, the16^th earl of Warwick, became the ward of George and Richard sons of the late Duke of York. Both lived at Middleham as children and witnessed the captivity of their brother Edward IV there. Following Warwick’s death and the kings restoration, Richard married Anne Neville and made Middleham their main home. After 1483, when Richard III ascended the throne and until his death a Bosworth in 1885 the castle remained in royal hands until the reign of James I. It is now in the care of English heritage.

As it stands today it is nothing but an impressive ruin. As such it demands quite some fantasy to envision the layout, the looks and the uses of the different buildings. However, a company called “Lost in Castles” have made it their prime object to use computer graphics to show in detail the layout, the construction techniques and the overall plan for the castle.

The concept is very neat. John Fox, who is the founder of the company, simply goes for a rather slow walk around the castle and its premises  pointing out the many details and explaining their role in the overall scheme. Alternating with this are 3D reconstructions, showing the different rooms, staircases, and general layout. All this gives a very interesting tour of the castle, as it must have looked like according amongst other sources a survey, which was done in 1538. Other DVD’s may be had, which complement the one on Middleham. Overall a general idea about medieval castles may be had form the series.

Apart from this, the Middleham DVD gives a very interesting introduction to the practicalities of life in a royal castle in the reign of Richard III.

Middleham. A Castle Made for Kings. Written and presented by John L. Fox. Produced by Lost in Castles 2011.

Read more about Richard III by following the links here

More about Middleham Castle at English Heritage.