History

Danby Castle, on a moorland spur overlooking the valley of the river Esk in The North York Moors, was built by the Latimer family in the early 1300's. It's lords included some of the most powerful nobles of medieval England.

With the death of the last of the Latimers, at the end of the 14th century, the estate passed to the famous Neville family. They remodelled the South Range, where their Arms can be seen on the south wall of the Courtroom. In the 16th century John Neville, Lord Latimer of Danby, who owned Danby Estate and Danby Castle, married Catherine Parr, (Henry VIII's last wife,) and their marital home was Danby Castle.

Danby Castle, now in part a ruin, but also the home of the Danby Court Leet, is reputed to be one of the earliest examples of a fortified but principally domestic castle. The many ensuite guardrobes are ample evidence of the 'modern' features of this castle which sits in a strategic position overlooking the River Esk valley.

Later in the same century the Estate passed to the Danvers family and Sir Henry Danvers was created Earl of Danby. In the 17th century Danby was bought by John Dawnay, later created Viscount Downe. The Estate has remained with the Dawnay family ever since. The South Range of the Castle was converted into a manorial Court-house with the former private chamber (solar) being divided into a Court Room, where the Court Leet still meets, and a Jury Room. As regards the rest of the old mansion, the South-East tower became and still remains, a farm house. Farm buildings were added and some original sections have fallen into ruins. Repairs were made in the 19th century and the South Range was restored in c. 1960.

A book has recently been published "Danby Castle - A Manor and its Lords" and will soon be available to purchase online.