[1][page needed] The earth and wood castle was rebuilt in stone to withstand attacks by the Scots.

During the English Civil War, the castle was the last Royalist stronghold in the north of England to surrender, in December 1645.

Legend has it that during the siege, sheep fleeces were hung over the walls to deaden the impact from the rounds of cannon fire.

After the siege, she ordered repairs and planted a yew tree in the central courtyard to commemorate its restoration after the war.

[citation needed] "He held an office of trust as Seneschal of Skipton Castle, and we must assume that these lands were given to him at about that time as a reward for his services.

[7] The castle gained free wifi as part of an internet connectivity effort in North Yorkshire.

In the centre is a Tudor courtyard called the Conduit Court, which contains a yew tree, reputedly planted by Lady Anne in 1659.