History Pickering Castle

pickering castle in around 1910

the original structure built normans under william conqueror in 1069–1070. building included large, central mound (the motte), outer palisades (enclosing bailey) , internal buildings, notably keep on top of motte. ditches dug make assault on walls difficult. main purpose of castle @ time maintain control of area after harrying of north.

its remains particularly well-preserved because 1 of few castles largely unaffected 15th-century wars of roses , english civil war of 17th century.

in 1926, ministry of works (english heritage s predecessor) took possession of castle. scheduled monument , open public.