Henceforth!

That is the meaning of 'desormais' shown above the entrance. The castle has stood in Skipton for over 900 years, which is at the top of the high street. It was first built as a motte and bailey castle in 1090 by Robert de Romille, a Norman baron. The wooden castle was replaced with a stone keep.

In 1310, Edward II granted the castle to Robert Clifford who was appointed Lord Clifford of Skipton and Guardian of Craven.

During the English Civil War it was the only Royalist stronghold in the north of England until December 1645. After a three year siege, a surrender was negotiated in 1645 between Oliver Cromwell and the Royalists.

During the siege local legend has it that the walls were reinforced against cannon fire by hanging sheep fleeces over the sides to deaden the impact from the rounds and that sheep fleeces feature on the towns coat of arms as a result.

Skipton remained the Cliffords' principal seat until 1676. Lady Anne Clifford (1590-1676) was the last Clifford to own it. Today it is a private residence and you can go in to the grounds and some of the castle.

History lesson over :)
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Another glorious sunny day albeit it with a bit more cloud than yesterday and bitterly cold.

Today, the low winter sun was lighting up the entrance of the castle showing off the colour of the stone. I like the way the trees are also reflecting on the stone and the 'cowboy' in the entrance!

I also took photos of the daffodils that have been flowering all January, crocuses and snowdrops around the castle.

I hope you had a good weekend and were able to take plenty of photos :)

Taken with Nikon D7000