<body><div><p>I love castles. I could tour them year-round but alas, I must work. My first thought whenever I see a spectacular castle is “how did they build that thing x hundred of years ago?” They are architectural marvels. Back in the day they weren’t built for beauty but instead protection. Their primary aim was to protect against invaders. Sometimes castles triumphed. Other times invaders triumphed. This article showcases 13 spectacular English castles that triumphed by withstanding brutal sieges. </p><h2>13. Dover Castle</h2><figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=4U9cUu_0wC2jV5w00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=4U9cUu_0wC2jV5w00" width="1000" height="667" ><figcaption>Shutterstock</figcaption></figure><p>Dover Castle, known as the “Key to England,” was initially built in the 11th century under William the Conqueror. One of its most notable sieges occurred in 1216 during the First Barons’ War, when Prince Louis of France led an attack to seize the stronghold from the English crown. The defenders, loyal to King John and later Henry III, held out despite a prolonged and brutal assault. The French forces, unable to breach the formidable defenses, were forced to retreat, leaving Dover Castle victorious. The garrison’s resilience ensured that England remained free from French occupation, and the castle’s strategic importance remained intact.</p><h2>12. Warwick Castle</h2><figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=4RlN7M_0wC2jV5w00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=4RlN7M_0wC2jV5w00" width="1000" height="641" ><figcaption>Shutterstock</figcaption></figure><p>Warwick Castle, originally built by William the Conqueror in 1068, saw one of its critical sieges during the English Civil War (1642–1651). In 1642, Royalist forces attacked the Parliamentarian-held castle. The defenders, led by Sir Edward Peyto, successfully resisted the assault, using the castle’s strong fortifications and superior firepower to fend off the attack. The Royalists were eventually forced to withdraw, and the outcome solidified Parliamentarian control over the Midlands. The defense of Warwick Castle was a significant moment in the Civil War, weakening Royalist efforts in the region.</p><h2>11. Middleham Castle</h2><figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=1Wm42S_0wC2jV5w00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=1Wm42S_0wC2jV5w00" width="1000" height="563" ><figcaption>Shutterstock</figcaption></figure><p>Middleham Castle, built in the 12th century in North Yorkshire, was a key Lancastrian stronghold during the Wars of the Roses. In 1461, it was besieged by Yorkist forces after the Battle of Towton. The defenders, loyal to King Henry VI, resisted the Yorkists’ attacks. However, after a determined assault by Edward IV’s forces, the castle eventually surrendered. The fall of Middleham was a significant Yorkist victory, as the castle later became the residence of Richard III, further cementing Yorkist dominance in the region.</p><h2>10. Skipton Castle</h2><figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=2roytY_0wC2jV5w00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=2roytY_0wC2jV5w00" width="1000" height="667" ><figcaption>Shutterstock</figcaption></figure><p>Skipton Castle, built in the 11th century in North Yorkshire, endured a lengthy siege during the English Civil War. The castle, held by Royalist forces under Sir John Mallory, was besieged by Parliamentarians in 1645. For over three years, the defenders withstood numerous assaults and artillery bombardments. However, by December 1645, with supplies running dangerously low, the garrison was forced to negotiate a surrender. Despite the Royalists’ defeat, the castle was spared from destruction and remains one of the best-preserved medieval castles in England.</p><h2>9. Framlingham Castle</h2><figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=1ofWDY_0wC2jV5w00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=1ofWDY_0wC2jV5w00" width="1000" height="1300" ><figcaption>Shutterstock</figcaption></figure><p>Framlingham Castle, built in the late 12th century, was involved in key historical conflicts, including a notable siege in 1553 during the reign of Mary I. Mary Tudor, after being declared illegitimate by supporters of Lady Jane Grey, fled to Framlingham Castle, which became her rallying point. The castle was prepared for a siege by the forces loyal to Jane, but the defenders were bolstered by growing local support for Mary. The potential siege never fully materialized as Jane’s forces disbanded, leading to Mary’s triumphant entry into London and her subsequent coronation as queen.</p><h2>8. Windsor Castle</h2><figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=2OLpIa_0wC2jV5w00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=2OLpIa_0wC2jV5w00" width="1000" height="534" ><figcaption>Shutterstock</figcaption></figure><p>Windsor Castle, constructed by William the Conqueror in the late 11th century, faced a major siege in 1216 during the First Barons’ War. The forces of Prince Louis of France sought to take the castle, which was defended by royalists loyal to King John. The French attackers were unable to penetrate Windsor’s massive fortifications, and after a determined defense, the siege was lifted. The garrison’s success in overcoming the siege secured Windsor’s role as a royal residence and a symbol of English sovereignty, while the French forces withdrew, ending their bid for the English throne.</p><h2>7. Rochester Castle</h2><figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=3nEx9q_0wC2jV5w00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=3nEx9q_0wC2jV5w00" width="1000" height="667" ><figcaption>Shutterstock</figcaption></figure><p>Rochester Castle, built by the Normans in the late 1080s, faced one of its most famous sieges in 1215, during the First Barons’ War. Rebel barons, initially in control of the castle, defended it against King John’s forces. King John launched a ferocious assault, mining the southern tower to bring down part of the castle walls. Despite the collapse, the defenders continued to resist until supplies ran out, forcing their surrender. While King John’s forces took the castle, the protracted siege weakened both sides, with the rebellion continuing and the monarchy’s authority severely tested.</p><h2>6. Kenilworth Castle</h2><figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=1eqcNv_0wC2jV5w00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=1eqcNv_0wC2jV5w00" width="1000" height="562" ><figcaption>Shutterstock</figcaption></figure><p>Kenilworth Castle, built in the early 12th century, became the site of a lengthy siege in 1266 during the Second Barons’ War. Rebels loyal to Simon de Montfort held the castle against forces led by King Henry III. The siege lasted over six months, one of the longest in English history, with the defenders relying on the castle’s extensive water defenses and thick walls. Despite their tenacity, the garrison was eventually starved into submission, and Kenilworth fell to the king’s forces. The rebels were offered lenient terms, and the siege ended the major phase of the baronial rebellion.</p><h2>5. Alnwick Castle</h2><figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=1k0vSc_0wC2jV5w00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=1k0vSc_0wC2jV5w00" width="1000" height="562" ><figcaption>Shutterstock</figcaption></figure><p>Alnwick Castle, a Norman fortress dating back to 1096, faced several sieges, most notably during the Scottish Wars of Independence. In 1297, Scottish forces led by William Wallace attempted to capture the castle, which was defended by English knights loyal to Edward I. The Scots attacked fiercely but failed to breach Alnwick’s strong walls. The defenders held firm, and Wallace was forced to retreat, marking a significant victory for the English. Alnwick’s defense strengthened the border defenses against future Scottish incursions.</p><h2>4. Durham Castle</h2><figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=2iGFv2_0wC2jV5w00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=2iGFv2_0wC2jV5w00" width="1000" height="749" ><figcaption>Shutterstock</figcaption></figure><p>Durham Castle, built in the late 11th century as a defensive stronghold, withstood several sieges during the Scottish Wars of Independence. In 1314, after the Battle of Bannockburn, Scottish forces attempted to capture the castle as they raided northern England. The defenders, led by the Bishop of Durham’s men, successfully repelled the Scottish attack. Despite the Scots’ determination, they were unable to breach Durham’s walls, and the castle remained a key defensive position in the North, safeguarding the region from further Scottish invasions.</p><h2>3. Carisbrooke Castle</h2><figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=4NZbth_0wC2jV5w00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=4NZbth_0wC2jV5w00" width="1000" height="750" ><figcaption>Shutterstock</figcaption></figure><p>Carisbrooke Castle, located on the Isle of Wight, dates back to the late 11th century. During the English Civil War, it became a Royalist stronghold and was besieged by Parliamentary forces in 1648. The Royalist defenders, loyal to King Charles I, fought valiantly, but after a series of artillery bombardments and supply shortages, the castle eventually surrendered. The defeat of Carisbrooke marked a significant victory for the Parliamentarians, further solidifying their control over the southern territories of England.</p><h2>2. Scarborough Castle</h2><figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=2OvaqU_0wC2jV5w00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=2OvaqU_0wC2jV5w00" width="1000" height="750" ><figcaption>Shutterstock</figcaption></figure><p>Scarborough Castle, perched on a headland overlooking the North Sea, dates back to the 12th century and faced several significant sieges. One of the most notable occurred in 1645 during the English Civil War. Royalist forces defending the castle were attacked by Parliamentarians led by Sir John Meldrum. Despite sustained artillery bombardments, the defenders, under Sir Hugh Cholmley, resisted for five months before being forced to surrender due to dwindling supplies. The fall of Scarborough marked a critical Parliamentary victory in securing control over key strategic coastal locations.</p><h2>1. Bamburgh Castle</h2><figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=4B9erU_0wC2jV5w00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=4B9erU_0wC2jV5w00" width="1000" height="625" ><figcaption>Shutterstock</figcaption></figure><p>Bamburgh Castle, with origins in the 6th century and later rebuilt by the Normans, was besieged during the Wars of the Roses in 1464. The Yorkist forces, under the command of Richard Neville, Earl of Warwick, laid siege to the Lancastrian-held castle. After sustained cannon bombardment, the castle fell to the Yorkists. The fall of Bamburgh was a significant victory for the Yorkist cause, marking one of the first successful uses of artillery in English warfare, and cementing the decline of Lancastrian power in the North.</p></div></body>

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13 Mighty English Castles that Endured Brutal Sieges Over the Centuries – Some Triumphed While Others Fell

I love castles. I could tour them year-round but alas, I must work. My first thought whenever I see a spectacular castle is “how did they build that thing x hundred of years ago?” They are architectural marvels. Back in the day they weren’t built for beauty but instead protection. Their primary aim was to protect against invaders. Sometimes castles triumphed. Other times invaders triumphed. This article showcases 13 spectacular English castles that triumphed by withstanding brutal sieges.