Its 1066, William the Conqueror has invadedEngland and it's time to reward those Normans that have aided him. One of these - Ilbert De Lacy - is given huge areas of land in Yorkshire and the best place for his headquarters is Pontefract, well situated on the north/south road and with natural river defences close by. Here he built his castle.
The de Lacys lived in the castle until the start of the next century and then after Robert de Lacy has supported the wrong brother in a power struggle by two of William's sons the castle was confiscated by Henry the First. Richard the First (Richard the Lion Heart) later took possession of the castle and the de Lacy's were back in favour.