Pontefract Castle is a ruined fortress in Pontefract, West Yorkshire. Ilbert de Lacy is credited with building it around 1070, on land granted by William the Conqueror. It began as a wooden structure that was later rebuilt in stone. The de Lacy family held it until the early 14th century, and their donjon dates from this period. In 1311 it passed to the House of Lancaster, and John of Gaunt made it his residence.
During the English Civil War, Royalists held the castle through three sieges. Parliament ordered it demolished in 1649, which left the ruins visible today.
The rare quatrefoil keep resembles Clifford's Tower in York. The site also has the Swillington Tower, a detached tower, and cellars of the 11th century. Restoration was completed in 2019.
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