The New Murrey and Blue blog

“….Over 900 years old, Skipton Castle is one of the most complete and best preserved medieval castles in England and is well worth a visit at any season of the year.

“….Visitors can explore every corner of this impressive history-rich castle….”

So begins this interesting article Skipton Castle, Superbly Preserved Medieval Castle, Yorkshire about an important northern fortress. You can read about its history and the people who’ve lived there, see numerous illustrations, including a 3D plan, and even colour pictures of castle life.

Unfortunately I saw nothing in the article about the period of the Wars of the Roses, when (even more unfortunately) the Cliffords (who held the castle) were Lancastrians. You can read here about the 9th Baron Clifford John Clifford, 9th Baron Clifford – Wikipedia. As far as we’re concerned, of course, he is the man credited with having slain (with some brutality) young Edmund of Rutland immediately after the Battle of Wakefield at the end of December 1460. It’s thought that this act earned him the nickname Butcher Clifford. In turn Clifford himself was slain by the Yorkists a few months later at the Battle of Ferrybridge on 28 March 1461, aged 25.

The whole story of Edmund’s death may not be true, as many believe he actually died during the battle. But Clifford certainly gets the blame.