Conisbrough Castle (Conisbrough)
Conisbrough Castle is an impressive ruin in the South Yorkshire town of Conisbrough.
It was begun by William de Warenne, Earl of Surrey, in the 11th century, with a wooden structure. His grandson`s daughter Isabel married Hamelin Plantagenet, the half brother of Henry II, and it was he who built the enormous keep.
The castle later belonged to Richard, Duke of York, a contender for the crown of England, whose sons reigned as Edward IV and Richard III.
It was afterwards neglected and was so ruinous during the Civil War that it was not fortified.
Conisbrough Castle has the largest circular keep in England.
In Walter Scott`s novel "Ivanhoe", the castle features as the home of Athelstane.
It is now in the care of English Heritage.