02/11/2026
🏰 STORIES FROM MIDDLEHAM | Part 1
Did you know Middleham once had TWO castles?
Most visitors to Middleham will be familiar with the magnificent ruins of Middleham Castle, famously associated with King Richard III.
But here's something you might not know…
The castle we see today wasn't actually Middleham's first!
Following the Norman Conquest, the first castle was built on Williams Hill, overlooking what is now Sunskew Park. This early motte-and-bailey fortress occupied a higher, more defensible position than the castle we know today.
Around a century later, in approximately 1170, work began on a new stone castle nearby, which eventually became the Middleham Castle we recognise today.
The earthworks of the original castle can still be seen at Williams Hill, a fascinating reminder that Middleham's history stretches back even further than its famous medieval ruins.
🏰 Two castles. Nearly a thousand years of history. One remarkable Yorkshire town.
At The Wensleydale Hotel, we're proud to be part of Middleham's continuing story, welcoming visitors to discover the heritage and character of our beautiful market town.
Have you ever visited Williams Hill, the site of Middleham's first castle?
📍 Middleham, North Yorkshire
Stories from Middleham is a heritage series brought to you by The Wensleydale Hotel.
