1076-
1086

1086-1194

The de Lacy era

Castle is held by the de Lacy family.

1199

Enter cousin Robert

Castle inherited by Robert fitz Eustace, cousin to the last de Lacy. Robert adopts the de Lacy surname.

1311

Thomas of Lancaster gets possession

Henry de Lacy, last of the second line of de Lacys, dies. Pontefract passes to Thomas of Lancaster. The acquisition of the castle strengthens his hand against his chief political opponent, Edward II

1322

Thomas of Lancaster executed

Thomas of Lancaster is executed by Edward II after the battle of Boroughbridge. The castle, however, is returned to Thomas's brother, Henry, after the king's death in 1327.

1327-
1399

The Lancaster era

Castle remains in the possession of the house of Lancaster. Dukes of Lancaster in the 14th century include John of Gaunt and his son, Henry Bolingbroke (the future Henry IV).

1399

Richard II deposed

Henry Bolingbroke deposes Richard II and succeeds him as Henry IV. Pontefract thus becomes a royal castle. Richard II is imprisoned in the castle.

1644-5

First siege of Pontefract

Pontefract, held by Royalists, is besieged by a Parliamentarian army from Christmas Day 1644. The siege ends on 1 March 1645 when fresh Royalist forces come to the relief of the garrison in the castle.

1645

Second siege of Pontefract

Just 10 days after the raising of the first siege, the second siege of Pontefract begins. By 19 July 1645, the Royalist garrison has been starved into submission.

1648

Third siege of Pontefract

In July, Pontefract is recaptured by local Royalists during Second Civil War. The third siege of Pontefract finally ends in March 1649.

1649

Castle demolished

Pontefract Castle is demolished on the orders of Parliament.

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