Key Dates
Milestones in the Digital Dig Team calendar
1640s
Pontefract Castle is a Royalist stronghold during the Civil Wars
Even after Charles I was executed in January 1649, the Royalists at Pontefract Castle held out until March, in the hope that there would be some sort of miracle.
1500's
Shakespeare adds to the notoriety of the castle
Shakespeare set two of his plays, Richard II and Richard III at Pontefract Castle, highlighting the castle's notorious reputation for violence and bloodshed.
1399
Richard II is held at the castle
It's unclear if Richard II was executed or was starved to death in the dungeons of the castle
1070
Pontefract Castle is constructed
Construction begins for Pontefract Castle
Archaeology / In Your Hands
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