Ravensworth Castle

Ravensworth Castle, now just a ruin, can be found a short walk to the south of the village of Ravensworth in North Yorkshire. The castle was originally a rectangular walled and moated enclosure that was the stronghold of the FitzHugh family for centuries.

The FitzHugh family were a prominent English noble family that played a significant role in the history of Yorkshire and beyond. Their name, derived from the Norman French "fils Hugh" meaning "son of Hugh", suggests descent from a Norman ancestor who likely arrived in England following the 1066 Conquest.

While the exact origins of the FitzHugh family remain somewhat shrouded in mystery, their presence in Yorkshire can be firmly traced back to the 13th century. They emerged as a powerful landowning family, acquiring significant estates in the region, most notably Ravensworth Castle, and finding themselves involved in the courts of Kings Henry IV and V.

Under the FitzHughs, the castle underwent substantial expansion and fortification, transforming it into a formidable stronghold. It served as a centre of regional power, hosting prominent figures, including a visit from King John in 1201, and playing a crucial role in the social and political life of the region.

In the 14th century, the FitzHugh family significantly expanded the castle, transforming it into a formidable quadrangular structure with imposing towers and curtain walls.

The castle appears to have fallen out of use in the late 1400s and by around 1616 it had largely been demolished. All that remains is the 14th century Gatehouse, parts of two of the towers and some of the moat. There is also evidence of the park wall, which formed the boundary of the castle grounds which were a medieval hunting park.

The castle is on private land so you cannot get access right up to the ruins but there are good views from the road that runs to the west of the site. There is also a public right of way that runs from this road, southwards towards the village of Kirby Hill, where you can also get some good views.