The Secret Tunnel Of Pontefract Castle | What's Inside?

[@JANGLEPOP1]

I was lucky enough to tour the keep in around 1964 when my father and I were added to an Archaeological Society visit. I remember seeing the room with the well and the tour guide switched his torch off and asked if anyone could see the white handerkerchief that he was waving in front of us..nobody could! We also entered the magazine in the courtyard which was used as a prison in the Civil War. Not much health and safety in those days but it was an experience I will never forget. A lovely castle to visit!

[@AdventureMe]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@driving_all_over]

It's a good thing that Cromwell failed to destroy it, what a brilliant piece of history Looking forward to the next part

[@AdventureMe]

Yes it is. Shame it was damaged at all.

[@janetellard3531]

The castle was my playground growing up. I spent many happy hours there. It looked very different then , in the sixties, with 2 lovely wooden shelters, lots of landscaping, with shrubs and flowers. I remember the chapel and the stone coffins. We had unrestricted access to all the structures, and used to throw stones down that well, listening to see how long it took to hit the ground. We also used to jump across it, ages of us kids ranged from about 7 years old!

[@AdventureMe]

Thanks Janet. Thanks for the memories

[@shirleylynch7529]

Huge place. What a history. Never even heard of it. So thank you Darren for educating me again. . Thoroughly enjoyed this.

[@AdventureMe]

Thanks Shirley

[@adambeddis7334]

Hi , great video , I was a custodian at the castle and tour guide . The chamber in the keep is believed to been used as a prison , ubliet was the well part . Richard did die in the red or riffuf tower as you say , know one in history records how , starvation was just one theory.

[@AdventureMe]

Thanks Adam.

[@Ehzkaton]

The bricks in the prison room seem to be an assortment of different sizes, materials, and somewhat skewed placements. Is this possible signs of immurement or a room that has been sealed? Just curious.

[@steverock4329]

Fabulous video Darren, thanks for that. I’ve lived in the Pontefract area a number of years but never visited the castle or knew of its remarkable history. Fascinating, and looking forward to part two! 👌🏻🙏🏻👍

[@AdventureMe]

Thanks Steve

[@AntAdam1]

I've heard of Pontefract cake and Pontefract racecourse but not the castle. This was fascinating, cheers Darren, fantastic stuff.

[@AdventureMe]

Thanks Adam. Glad to help

[@Bob-nu3xe]

I live close to this area love the way you superimpose the original over the modern day landscape, the castle was so imposing building such a pity it was destroyed The power station is close to the battle of Ferrybridge which the castle had a major role in has part of the war of the roses

[@AdventureMe]

Thanks Bob

[@grottybt5006]

If it wasn't destroyed we'd have to suffer insufferable tourism and house prices would be silly. Could have changed the dialect and made us insufferable as people lol

[@bobly]

Thank you Darren for another informative video, I enjoyed Part 1 of Pontefract Castle Part 2 will feature the Dungeons that I would love to see

[@AdventureMe]

Yes part 2 is good.

[@jetsons101]

To be able to go back in time and stop the destruction of the castle, "where's Doc Brown when you need him." Think of all the manhours it took to cut and shape all the stones for all the castles in the UK, mind boggling. What a place to spend a day exploring. All the houses with their back gardens where the moat was, think the people living there know the moat was a open sewer for the privies / garderobes..... Thanks to AdventureMe for a well informed and well narrated video....

[@AdventureMe]

Thanks Mike. I would love to pop back in a time machine.

[@jetsons101]

@@AdventureMe ??? Rollercoaster ???

[@ffrancrogowski2192]

Very impressive Darren. Never heard much about this castle at all, but it was a fair old size with a lot of history behind it. Can't wait for part two, and many thanks for this video,

[@AdventureMe]

Thanks Ffranc. Part 2 is my favourite

[@BoydXplorer]

Beautiful upload. Interesting and informative to watch. Well done narration. Tnx4sharing. Full watched brother.

[@AdventureMe]

Thanks mate. Part 2 coming soon.

[@wyrksi]

Thanks for this video Darren. Not been to Ponte castle for a long time even though it's just 10 minutes away in the car. We will pay it a visit soon. All the best!

[@AdventureMe]

Thanks mate

[@Feral_Bog_Witch]

My closest friend lives in flats right next to Pontefract castle, the view is very cool

[@AdventureMe]

I bet it is

[@anne-marie2972]

How cool is that. I must say I am jealous.

[@Wedgedoow]

What a wonderful insight into Yorkshire history thanks Darren

[@AdventureMe]

Thanks Pete

[@nigelbarker4135]

Yorkshires head of interesting documentary’s hits the spot again! 👍😳👏👏👏👏👏👏

[@AdventureMe]

Hahaha thanks Nigel

[@bobingram6912]

Well you live and you learn, never knew Pontefract had a castle let alone its accompanying history. Thanks for the history lesson Darren in your usual concise style👍🏻👍🏻

[@AdventureMe]

Thanks Bob. Glad to help

[@alanoliver]

Superb Darren another day planned out as we are coming to Yorkshire in September for a week's holiday

[@AdventureMe]

Yes check out the castle.

[@nickthomas181]

Great vlog with excellent historical research, cheers! Wishing you well!

[@AdventureMe]

Thanks Nick

[@terryansell6641]

I lived in Pontefract for a while and never knew the history of the castle, thank you from New Zealand

[@AdventureMe]

Thanks Terry. Glad you got to find out. Greetings to NZ

[@2eldeano]

Brilliant video Darren, you've inspired my wife and myself to attempt a walk around it as soon as the kids are back at school 🙂

[@AdventureMe]

Yes do Dean. Its worth a look.

[@2eldeano]

@@AdventureMe Like Bob said below, I also loved the way you superimposed over the real time footage. I've travelled down Baghill Lane over the bridge with the traffic lights on and the down to the junction with South Baileygate and never noticed the ruins of the castle overhead! Looking forward to the 2nd part already.

[@causewaykayak]

Yes, Great tour, spooky tunnels. Im looking forward to your next installment. Dungeons, brilliant !

[@AdventureMe]

Thanks for watching.

[@shirleysmith1713]

So very interesting Darren. Thanks for showing 👍🏻😀

[@lynnewalker5525]

my old stomping ground, pontefract, many years ago, nice one Darren, always interesting to see, pontefract Castle.

[@AdventureMe]

Thanks Lynne

[@lindamccaughey6669]

That was fantastic thanks. Loved every second. What a beaut castle that was. Look forward to part two. Thanks so much for taking me along. Please stay safe and take care

[@AdventureMe]

Thanks Linda.

[@Dan23_7]

“Keepmoat” and “pomfret” are a couple of surnames I’ve encountered on my travels Very interesting to hear as all surnames have a history to where they came from👍🏼👍🏼 Edit… I deliver to a place in Lincoln who are on a road called “bail gate” There’s an old stone arch wall there right outside their business, after seeing this I’m searching the history. At Rivington near me there’s “Liverpool castle”, it was never completed, it’s nowhere near Liverpool either, lord Leverhulme scheduled the build and when he passed away the workers stopped the build. Leaver as in the soap And “leaverhulme” is his and his wife’s surname together (she was Hulme) Fantastic video Darren, thank you The outright degree of craftsmanship and masonry work that went into these places blows my mid

[@jackiecampbell3365]

Really enjoyed this..right up my street..

[@AdventureMe]

Thanks Jackie

[@michaelrender1584]

brilliant 👏 👏 👏 that Darren very interesting looking forward 👍 to part 2

[@AdventureMe]

Thanks Michael

[@zoltar666pz]

Back in the day when I was a kid use to skip school & hide in the Castle as we use to live just down the road

[@AdventureMe]

Lol. Probably better off at school.

[@kerensagregory3573]

I visit here regularly, I work in Ponte, so have friends there. It fascinates me. I go here more than I go to sandal.

[@Dan23_7]

Reminder set 👍🏼 This smells interesting

[@AdventureMe]

Oh it is

[@MrChrisBarker]

Im a Pomfretian myself, I love our castle. Such a shame no funding seems to reach the castle or the town. Used to be a fantastic market town. Now its good for crack and smack. 👍 Fantastic video tho. Nice one.

[@martinmarsola6477]

Thank you, Darren for the short tour today. An amazing site. Cheers Darren. See you on the next! 🇬🇧🙂👍🇺🇸

[@AdventureMe]

Thanks Martin

[@andykopgod]

I love Castles, really enjoyed that, thank you

[@AdventureMe]

Thanks Andrew

[@deborahbrackenbury2207]

Great video Darren as always Never been, but will now Can’t wait for part 2 😁

[@AdventureMe]

Thanks Deborah. Yes give it a try

[@oranda15]

Excellent video. Really looking forward to the next part featuring the dungeon. I visited recently to give some context to a video I made about Pontefract cakes. (Channel: Place Name Foods) Funniest thing was this party of school children suddenly appearing from under the ground. They had been to see the dungeon. I didn't have time to do it myself but plan to return soon.

[@AdventureMe]

Thanks Allan

[@lindseykaine-walley6339]

I love a good Castle, I try to go to a few each year. Skipton Castle is lovely. Never been to this one so I will put it on my list to do! Stunning views, thank you for showing us.

[@AdventureMe]

Yes go check it out

[@michaelmiller641]

Thanks for that video, Darren

[@AdventureMe]

Thanks Michael

[@ashbolight]

I've wanted to look at the church, might do the castle to thanks to this insight!

[@markdenson575]

Really enjoyed that I’m now going to watch the 2nd video Thank you

[@AdventureMe]

Its out this sunday

[@markdenson575]

@@AdventureMe thank you I am looking forward to watching that

[@davidlewis726]

Very interesting, well done.

[@AdventureMe]

Thanks David

[@douglasthompson296]

Darren 👍 👌 👏 Cheers DougT in Mancs

[@AdventureMe]

Thanks Mr M

[@michaelhamilton7111]

Thanks. 😎

[@AdventureMe]

Thanks for watching

[@hyperballadbradx6486]

Very cool! 👌🏻

[@AdventureMe]

Thanks matey

[@hyperballadbradx6486]

@@AdventureMe Always makes me smile when historic graffiti is uncovered too!! Go Mr Poppleton! 😅

[@steverileyretired]

Very Intresting, thanks

[@AdventureMe]

Thanks Steve

[@asmaaaz7170]

I feel lucky to follow on KZbin

[@AdventureMe]

Haha. Thanks Asmaa

[@nonoyorbusness]

Cromwell had it demolished because he didn't want it reused in resumption of the civil war, it had been used to good effect by the royalists.

[@sharronchild1801]

I've been twice but each time work was been done so never got to see it all. After seeing this I'm going to have to go back.

[@AdventureMe]

Yeah give it another try

[@stevetrotter1286]

Brilliant 🤩

[@AdventureMe]

Thanks Steve

[@fatlad5090]

interesting place

[@catbreath007]

I was there a few weeks ago Darren, did you use the "wind up" boxes where you get a commentary on what you can see from that location ?

[@AdventureMe]

No I didn't see them. Too busy darting around.

[@Andrewjg_89]

My Dad used to live in Pontefract when he was in the Army. Never knew there is a castle in Pontefract, West Yorkshire.

[@AdventureMe]

I didn't until recently

[@oddsandwindsocks5905]

Another top vlog Darren. Such a shame it got demolished. Whens part 2

[@AdventureMe]

Thanks mate. A few weeks. Early may I think.

[@hoppinonabronzeleg9477]

Top work Darren, I was wondering why you didn't get t'drone out? - Is it because of the proximity of Doncaster Airport?

[@AdventureMe]

I did. A few drone shots in there. But not many, it was very windy that day.

[@a11csc]

wow never knew that darren and been past loads of times

[@AdventureMe]

Glad it helped

[@manmeetsinghmahajan6183]

Good one.

[@AdventureMe]

Thanks mate

[@LancashireLarks]

Very good, thanks for sharing, I wonder if those people who’s back gardens close to the castle have done any metal detecting.

[@AdventureMe]

I would hope so. I would be.

[@martynbuzzing3327]

I'm guessing that all the stonework knocked down is probably buried next to where is was demolished. Interesting vid thanks

[@AdventureMe]

Some will be. But a lot would have been salvaged.

[@joycerigby453]

I went there once when I was small, it looks a lot different now.

[@chrisnorfolk6416]

A nice video of Pontefract Castle. Though since your video, the towers at Ferrybridge, have since gone. It's surprising how many people don't realise that the Castle exists - though the image was stamped on the 'original' Pontefract cakes. Are you planning to do a video of the Hermitage, that is up by the 'old' Hospital ?

[@AdventureMe]

Yeah one last look at ferrybridge.

[@bremnersghost948]

Great stuff, Should you do a vid on Sandal Castle give me a shout, Would love to view the making of a vid from behind the scenes.

[@AdventureMe]

I will in the future no doubt.

[@bremnersghost948]

@@AdventureMe Always wanted to explore the Tunnel from the Well at Sandal to the The Great Bull Inn on Westgate that the Garrison allegedly escaped through when Clifford took Sandal in 1317. The Well is 140m+ deep and the Tunnel goes under the River and almost 1.5 miles to Westgate, No Public Access of course but one for my bucket list.

[@johnycabs]

Heard of the place before, I like castles and manor houses, especially the ones that are no longer here, like wolseys manor of the moor.... I'd rebuild it, whole thing, moat n all.... people will have to give up there back gardens ah well.

[@AdventureMe]

I would do the same. Rebuild and get rid of the houses lol

[@sarahillingworth2718]

looks like it could be a set for most haunted lol 👍

[@AdventureMe]

Oh for sure

[@sarahillingworth2718]

@@AdventureMe I've been to Pontefract Castle but not the dungeon lol

[@markpemberton9904]

It would be brilliant if you could do something for Sandal Castle not much to run at but I bet you can work you magic - riddled with history all around the Castle also Thorns Park Cannon Ball Hill Castle Did it at school

[@AdventureMe]

I'd love to Mark. Probably will one day.

[@IC225]

didnt know there was a castle in ponty, next time me and me mate go for a drinking sesh on a WYDR we shall pay it a visit. ive only been there once or twice when me and a mate got a WY day rover and had a couple of beers on the brad-kx grand central train, then had a nervy walk past some unpleasent area between monkhill & the town center.

[@AdventureMe]

Its not far from monkhill.

[@IlSqueak]

You literally come out of Monkhill station and the castle is the big hill with stone ruins on it across the road. The entrance is down from Spink lane, which is the left turn as you'd walk up the hill following the road to your right through the scary bit to the town centre. Or Turn left towards the Hope & Anchor and have a pint to cure your train-lag from the long walk out of the station! Also those last 3 cooling towers at Ferrybridge were demolished less than a month before this video aired.

[@heathernicholson3080]

It would be great to rebuild the castle.

[@AdventureMe]

I agree

[@ClarenceFlanagan]

Can't believe I've lived in Wakefield all my life yet have never been to Ponte castle.

[@AdventureMe]

I hadn't until I made this video.

[@ClarenceFlanagan]

@@AdventureMe Inspired to give it a visit now. Thanks for spotlighting it.

[@howardgibson]

Great video, I go there often. It is not owned by the council it belongs to the Duchy of Lancaster and held in trust for the Queen. I always believed there is a secret chamber behind a massive stone block in the Dungeon which was dropped in place to hide the Kings treasure as it never left the castle when it was surrender.

[@timdarnbrough3007]

Was just about to say its still a crown castle, not owned by the council...

[@AdventureMe]

That chamber sounds interesting. Although all the rocks down there looked pretty huuuuuge

[@jetsons101]

When's the next live stream? I'll make a donation to help with the new camera. You need a "buy me a coffee" link, it makes it real EZ to help out. What's the back story of the church at 11:42? Take care. "Rollercoaster" lol

[@AdventureMe]

I've got one now. Its in the description of this video.

[@jetsons101]

@@AdventureMe Just found it......

[@SuperMika70]

🤘

[@wam2610]

👍

[@rechnin6680]

Could the strange sideroom off the well have been some sort of Oubliette?

[@AdventureMe]

I think it was actually called the oubliette

[@rechnin6680]

@@AdventureMe There you go then, not nice places, and the sideroom does have many of the hallmarks associated with them.

[@DavePotts]

Those cooling towers art the power station were blown up on the 17/March/2022

[@AdventureMe]

I know. I watched it. Glad I got the footage.

[@paulg0170]

Looks a lot like Conisborough castle

[@bremnersghost948]

Have to feel sorry for Richard 2, Imagine being kept in Comfort yet Dying of Starvation right above the Bakery And Kitchens, That is a Truly Evil kind of Torture!!

[@AdventureMe]

I know. I'd love to know who starved him or if it was that bad, he starved himself.

[@highpath4776]

Is that an Abbey close by?

[@AdventureMe]

No its a big church

[@highpath4776]

@@AdventureMe I saw one church to the left. ! Pontefract from memory has an excess of railway stations too ?

[@AdventureMe]

@@highpath4776 Yes it does

[@highpath4776]

12 towers is clearly astrological

[@SewexTV]

not much left of the whole castle as always in england 🤷‍♂️

[@AdventureMe]

Yeah. All destroyed by kings and such.

[@AdamJamesEarlyChasebliss-ru8tq]

There's NOT much to see!!!!!! Is! There!.....xxxxxxxxx

[@grottybt5006]

They've ruined it with the "renovations"