Danby Castle

Danby Castle stands in the village of Danby, North Yorkshire, on a site first recorded in 1242. The present building dates from the late 14th century, with later changes made in the 16th century. Part of the southern range was turned into a farmhouse, which still has a large cellar and a courtroom on the first floor. The castle is built of sandstone with tile and pantile roofs and has a square plan with corner towers. A two-storey farmhouse occupies the southeast corner, with farm buildings to the west. The castle is now a wedding venue managed by The Gilchrist Collection. Danby court leet, a historic baronial court, still meets in the courtroom. The building became a Grade I listed structure in 1990. Catherine Parr may have lived here during the 16th century. The castle’s ruins were partly restored to create the farmhouse and its adjoining buildings. Visitors find a courtyard surrounded by the castle’s ranges. The east side once held the great hall, the north side the kitchen, and the west side the main entrance. The farmhouse in the southeast corner has two storeys and two bays. To the west are farm buildings, including a two-storey barn and a single-storey cartshed. The castle’s stone walls and corner towers frame views of the North Yorkshire countryside.