Pontefract Castle. 'The key to the North'

 Below you will find two icons each lead you to a section of the de Lacy Pontefract story.
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Why Ilbert de Lacy was instructed by William the Conqueror to build Pontefract Castle

​With the rebel, Saxons defeated and driven out following the 'Harrowing of the North. Ilbert de Lacy, received orders from King William to stay behind in the North and establish a strong defensive castle. It had to be capable of containing further attacks from either Saxon rebels moving South. The Castle would also warn and guard against possible Viking invasions from the East sailing up the Humber and into the River Ouse.

The Castles of the descendents of Ilbert de Lacy Lord of Pontefract

Tap or click the above image to visit all the principle Castles of the Lords of Pontefract