History of Knaresborough

Knaresborough is mentioned in the Doomsday Book as Chednaresburg or Chenaresburg.  Knaresborough Castle dates from Norman times; around 1100, the town began to grow and provide a market and attract traders to service the castle.  The present parish church, St John's, was established around this time.  The earliest name for a Lord of Knaresborough is from around 1115 when Serlo de Burgh held the ‘Honour of Knaresborough' from the King.

Hugh de Morville was constable of Knaresborough and was leader of the group of four knights who murdered Archbishop Thomas Beckett at Canterbury Cathedral on 29th. December, 1170. The four knights fled to Knaresborough and hid at the castle.

Dr Arnold Kellett has established that the first Maundy Money was given out in Knaresborough by King John on 15 April 1210.  Knaresborough Forest, which extended far south, is reputed to have been one of King John's favourite hunting grounds.

Although a market was first mentioned in 1206, the town was not granted a Royal Charter to hold a market until 1310, by Edward II. A market is still held every Wednesday in the market square. During Edward II's reign, the castle was occupied by rebels and the curtain walls were breached by a siege engine. Later, Scots invaders burned much of the town and the parish church. In 1328, as part of the marriage settlement, Queen Philippa was granted "the Castle, Town, Forest and Honour of Knaresborough" by Edward III and the parish church was restored. After her death in 1369, the Honour was granted by Edward to their younger son, John of Gaunt.

During the Civil War, following the Battle of Marston Moor in 1644, the castle was besieged by Parliamentary forces. The castle eventually fell and in 1646 an order was made by Parliament for its destruction (but not carried out till 1648). The destruction was mainly done by citizens looting the stone. Many town centre buildings are built of 'castle stone'