Wakefield Museums and Castles

Sandal Castle was probably first built in the early 1100s. William de Warenne received the Manor of Wakefield from Henry I in about 1106.

The original earthwork motte and bailey castle was probably completed by about 1130.

It is thought that the castle's rebuilding in stone started at the end of the 1100s. This is based on the archaeological evidence. The rebuilding continued throughout much of the 1200s. There are only a few documentary records relating to the building work. They reference materials being supplied for building work in 1270 and 1275. 

The castle was attacked and captured by Thomas, Earl of Lancaster, for a short period in the early 1300s. After this, the Castle continued to develop under the de Warennes until 1361.

From 1361 the castle was in the hands of royal owners. They were largely absentee landlords. No further major building work happened at this time.

In 1484-85 Richard III ordered additional building works at Sandal Castle. He wanted to make it suitable as a base for a permanent household in the North.

Richard III was defeated at the Battle of Bosworth in 1485. This brought to an end any further developments at Sandal Castle.