| Summary : Remains of a moated quadrangular castle constructed 1380-90, it fell into decay by 1537 and was largely demolished in 1650 by an act of parliament, except for the south range, which was occupied until 1796. The medieval moat survives as an earthwork, with some ruins of the castle still standing. Another moat lies to the north of the first moat, originally visible as an earthwork, but levelled and visible as a cropmark on later photography. There is some suggestion of internal features within the moated enclosure. The precise square form of this moated enclosure suggests it is a formal garden moat and terraced area. Scheduled. |
More information : (SE 70683154) Wressle Castle (NR) (Remains of) Moat (NR) (1)
The house, known as Wressle Castle, was probably constructed about 1380-90 around a rectangular court, with a tower at each of the four angles and a large gateway tower. Later alterations were carried out. It began to fall into decay in 1537 and a large part was demolished by Act of Parliamnet in 1650. The S range was occupied until 1796 when it was burnt out. Traces of the moat can be seen. (2)
The structural remains of the castle are substantial. See G.Ps. The surrounding moat has been much mutilated and is best preserved on its N and W sides.
Published survey 25" revised. (3)
Published survey 25" revised. (4)
Ruins of Wressle Castle. Extensive ruins of a fine castle built for Thomas Percy Earl of Worcester who was taken prisoner at the Battle of Shrewsbury in 1403 and afterwards beheaded. Main part consists of two great square towers and a central hall. In 1648 a great part of the castle was destroyed by order of Parliament, and in 1796 a fire burnt out the remaining part. Ancient Monument.
Small outbuilding adjoining Wressell Castle on the north. One storey. Arch etc. Very ruinous, pointed windows. Trees growing out of walls. Ancient Monument.
Ruined walling adjoining Wressell Castle on the east. C16? Red brick arch, perhaps a fireplace, with attached to it an apartment 4' in diameter lined in brick with doorway. Ancient Monument. (5)
Ground plan and perspective view from c1600 plans, originals of which are at Petworth House. (6)
Ruins of Wressle Castle, Grade I. The Bakehouse at Wressle Castle, Grade II* (see list for details). (7)
Additional reference. (8)
Double islanded, rectangular moat around house. (9)
Additional references. (10-11)
SE 707 316. Wressle Castle. Scheduled No HU/149. (12)
The moat described by the above authorities was visible on air photographs, but partially masked by trees. The unroofed castle building was not drawn for the Vale of York NMP. Another moat lies to the north of the first moat, originally visible as an earthwork, but levelled and visible as a cropmark on later photography. There is some suggestion of internal features within this moated enclosure. The precise square form of this moated enclosure suggests it is a formal garden moat and terraced area. Documentary evidence shows a map of 1610 with the area of the moat labelled 'new garden'.
(13-15)
Listed by Cathcart King. (16) |