England · Partial ruin
Danby Castle
Danby Castle is a medieval manor-place in Danby, North Yorkshire, notable for a square plan of ranges around a central courtyard and diagonally projecting corner towers. The present fabric mostly dates from the late 14th century with mid- and late-16th-century alterations; parts later fell to ruin while the southern range was converted for domestic and agricultural use. The building is Grade I listed and currently in use as an event venue.
First raised
1302
Its prime
1580
Today
Partial ruin
As it stood in 1580
What Danby Castle looked like in its prime.
Square-plan sandstone ranges form an enclosed courtyard with diagonally projecting corner towers at each corner; ranges are built of roughly coursed pale sandstone with patching and dressed quoins. Roofs across the inhabited south range are tile and pantile while much of the curtain walling is roofless and capped by turf and low vegetation. Openings include narrow slit-type windows and larger rectangular first-floor openings from the great chamber; farm buildings cluster to the west against woodland and meadow.
Its story
The story of Danby Castle.
A castle at Danby was first recorded in 1242 but lay in ruins by 1336, by local tradition after a fire, with its stone reused to build St Hilda's Church. The present building dates from the late 14th century: a square plan of ranges around a courtyard with diagonally projecting corner towers, the great hall to the east and kitchen to the north. The south wing was altered in the mid and late 16th century, during which period it may have been the home of Catherine Parr.
Much of the building later fell into ruin, but part of the southern range was converted into a farmhouse, with a large cellar below and a courtroom, formerly the great chamber, on the first floor. The Danby court leet, a baronial court now confined to managing common land, still meets there. Grade I listed in 1990, the castle is now a wedding venue.
Step inside
10 places to explore in 1580.
The record describes 10 distinct spots at Danby Castle, including 4 interiors: courtyard facing the east range (site of the great hall), north range at the kitchen entrance, first-floor great chamber (later courtroom) and more. Create your own photoreal reconstruction and explore every one, more scenes means more rooms, more angles, and more of the place to stand in.
Build Your Own Castle
Recreate Danby Castle with AI to explore it.
The artist rebuilds it as it stood in 1580, a photoreal reconstruction that belongs to you alone. Pay with coins, no subscription needed.
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