William de Percy came to England in 1067 and was granted 86 Lordships in Yorkshire by William the Conqueror, including Spofforth. The current castle was built by the Percy family in the early 13th Century, with alterations made in the 14th / 15th centuries. The Percy estates were confiscated after the rebellion against Henry IV in 1408, restored and then lost again in 1461 when the Percys supported the losing side in the War of the Roses. Spofforth was eventually returned to the family and inhabited until 1604. The castle was reduced to ruins during the Civil War (1642 – 1646). Access free of charge, all year round.