Knaresborough Castle was a key strategic fortress in the West Riding, controlling the River Nidd and the road network of the central Yorkshire plain. During the troubled years of Edward II's reign it was contested between the Crown and the barons, and threatened by Scottish raiders who penetrated this far south in 1318. Its control was a barometer of power in Yorkshire — whoever held Knaresborough could cut communications between York and the west.
English garrison/relief: c. 300–800. Lancastrian besiegers: c. 500–1,500.
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