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Sandal Castle
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Sandal Castle - Over the Years
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Sandal Castle was built in the 12th Century by the William de Warrene, 2nd Earl of Surrey. The Castle passed through the Warrene Family until in 1347 the 7th Earl died and the lands passed to Edward III.
The Dukes of York In 1347, Edward III granted Sandal to his fifth son Edmund Langley (aged 6 years old). In 1385 Edmund was made Duke of York as a reward for his support for his nephew, Richard II. Edmund's grandson, Richard (3rd Duke of York) was killed just outside Sandal Castle in December 1460 in the Battle of Wakefield, forever immortalised in Shakespeare's play Henry VI 
Duke of York Memorial
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The Battle Of WakefieldRichard, Duke of York, was killed at the Battle of Wakefield in 1460 but later exhumed by his son, Edward IV. The body was taken with great ceremony from Pontefract to Fotheringhay, resting each night at Doncaster, Blyth, Tuxford le Clay, Newark, Grantham, Stamford and finally being reburied at Fotheringhay. A huge funeral feast for 15,000 people followed. In 2010 Wakefield Historical Society retraced that journey on the anniversary dates of 21st-29th July to commemorate the 550th anniversary of Richard’s death.
Coronation Bonfire - 1911
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Early views of the Castle
Cannon on display at the castle, 1928
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The EXCAVATION of the Castle - 1960s
Sandal-Excavation Dr Phil Mayes and Wakefield Historical Society at Sandal Castle Excavations
The Castle in the 1970s
Looking towards the Power Station (Nov 1978)
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Looking towards the River Calder and Calder Island. The Pugneys is over to the left (Nov 1978)
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Into the 21st century
The 2000s
Early 2000s
Early 2000s
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Early 2000s
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The Castle in the 2010s
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TODAY
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The castle has not been looking its best for the last few years and vandals have been leaving their mark. The access bridges are in need of repair and are blocked off. This doesn't stop some visitors clambering up the moat embankments and damaging the slopes. Funding was cut by WMDC in 2016.
Found on WMDC's website in 2016
However funding is now available to restore the access to the inner parts of the Castle grounds, making it once more available to visitors. Improvements have started and lets hope cuts in funding do not hinder the improvements needed
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The Castle Cafe
If you've not been to the Castle for a while then a visit to the Cafe is well worth it. Whether its just for a cuppa after a strole around the castle or you fancy a roast dinner, the cafe is the place to be. It is in the old visitors centre and the staff are friendly. It provides the perfect view of the castle whilst enjoying a relaxing meal.
Oh by the way, did I mention that Medieval Knights still like to visit the Castle
PS. In May, I celebrated my 29th Wedding Anniversary and chose the Cafe to have our Anniversary meal, and enjoyed it, thank you