Richard III was born at Middleham 550 years ago, and so the YAS [through the Medieval Section] and the Yorkshire branch of the Richard III Society held a day school to mark the occasion. The meeting place was the Key Centre at Middleham, which is appropriately decorated with Yorkist banners. The first event was a lecture by Professor Tony Pollard who spoke about Crown control of the North of England. He described the traditional ways in which the Crown had maintained a considerable measure of control of the North prior to the middle of the fifteenth century. During the Wars of the Roses this control lapsed. To re-establish royal authority, the Tudor sovereigns introduced a new policy of centralisation, a policy which continues even now.

Afterward, Dr. Michael Jones put forward, most energetically, the idea that Richard III was fired at the battle of Bosworth by a conviction that his claim to the crown was legitimate - and the he could have been expected to win. Dr. Jones' new book argues his case in detail.

After lunch, John Cherry discussed the Middleham Jewel. He showed us beautiful enlarged photographs of the jewel, and pointed out that it probably has no real connection with Middleham beyond having been lost there at an unknown date in the past.

Then Steve Moorhouse spoke about the landscape setting of Middleham Castle. He used maps to show us the extent of the associated estate, and discussed both the gardens which adjoined the castle and the numerous parks in the vicinity.




Afterwards, Steve took us to William's Hill, the site of the ringwork which preceded the present castle. The castle itself was shown us by Sue Constantine, who took us to the first floor to look at the imposing late twelfth century hall and pointed out how the castle expanded as the family status grew. Luxurious apartments were added to accommodate visitors.





This was a most enjoyable and mind-stretching day, and will heighten our appreciation of Middleham Castle.

Ann Alexander


The last 2 photographs were taken by Barbara Wright