Boscobel House – ‘Boscobel’ comes from ‘bosco bello’, or ‘beautiful wood’, possibly a secluded site where Roman Catholics could feel relatively safe – is a 17th century farm, extended and refurbished in the 19th century. Its fame is as a hiding place for the future King Charles II following his defeat at the Battle of Worcester in 1651. Charles hid in one of two ‘priest holes’ in the house, having first (and more famously) escaped detection by climbing an oak tree in the grounds.
The site of the Battle of Towton lies a little to the south of Tadcaster, along the B1217, where a battlefield cross is located. The battle was fought on 29 March 1461, Palm Sunday, and is reputedly the longest, biggest and bloodiest battle ever on British soil.
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Beverley Minster is a stunning medieval Gothic church, one of the largest parish churches in England and larger than many cathedrals. It is known for its associaions with Bishop John of York and Athelstan, first King of England.
Balmoral Castle and estate is the Royal Family’s private home in Scotland. Queen Victoria and Prince Albert purchased it in 1852, replacing the old castle with the current building.
Historic Christchurch Greyfriars, destroyed in the Great Fire and again by German bombs, is now a tranquil, haunted, garden.
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Barnard Castle, established by Bernard de Balliol in the 12th century, overlooks the River Tees and dominates the town. It was connected to notable figures, including the Neville family and Richard III. Now in ruins, it remains a striking historical site, reflecting its past prominence.
