Thirsk Castle

Thirsk Castle is thought to have been constructed as a Motte and Bailey by Robert de Stuteville in the late 11th century. It had a relatively short lifespan as an active fortification being destroyed by Henry II before later development as gardens. 

The Motte at Thirk is roughly 3 metres high. The bailey is known to have interior measurements of 140 metres by 40 metres. It was surrounded by a rampart believed to be 2 metres high. To the exterior of the rampart was a 2 metre high scarp, with a ditch dug beyond this that extended up to 20 metres in width.

In 1174 Thirsk was held by Roger de Mowbray against King Henry II. When the castle was surrendered the following year, King Henry II ordered it to be destroyed. The extent to which this was carried out is hard to ascertain but there are no records of the site being used as a defensive structure or home of any note after this.

In terms of military action the next reference of any note is to a Scottish raid in 1322. On this occasion a house and a dovecoat were destroyed. These may or may not have been part of the earlier castle site. Later in the 14th century the Castle Garth was laid out as a garden, showing that the site was not being used for defensive purposes by that time. This garden appears to have been replaced with pasture in the early 15th century.

A moated site dating to the late 13th / early 14th century is located nearby. The construction of this building, possibly a fortified manor house, would negate the need to redevelop the earlier Norman site. Brief details can be found on the Thirsk Tourist website.

Thirsk Castle Links

Historic England – Official Listing of the site.

Heritage Gateway – Description of the site with a selection of suggested sources.

Gatehouse Gazetteer – Description and suggested sources about the castle.