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Pontefract
Timeline
1076-86 Pontefract castle built
Castle founded by Ilbert de Lacy, one of the followers William
the Conqueror.
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.
1327-99 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
Bolingbrook (the future Henry IV).
1399 Richard II deposed
Henry Bolingbrook 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. .
Graphic version
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