Sandal Castle

History

The site is open to all year round to visitors and parking is free of charge. Visitors can explore the sight and take in the stunning scenery and landscape of the Calder Valley. The nursery rhyme the Grand old Duke Of York, which we're sure many of you may be familiar with, is rumored to originate from here when Richard, Duke of York (1411–1460) was defeated at the Battle of Wakefield on 30 December 1460.

Sandal Castle was probably first built in the early 12th century after William de Warenne received the Manor of Wakefield from Henry I in about 1106. The earthwork motte and bailey castle was probably completed by about 1130. The archaeological evidence suggests that the rebuilding in stone started at the very end of the 12th century and continued throughout much of the 13th century. The only documentary records relating to the building work are references to materials being supplied for building work in 1270 and 1275