“Here the most ancient inhabitants of Britain dwelt, with their only shelter being rude wattled dwellings” (Edmond Bogg)
Then the Romans came and Knaresborough “rose to the dignity of a military station”
In the years following the Romans the town was populated in turn by Caledonians, Saxons and finally devastated by the Danes and Northmen. William the Conqueror arrived and in 1070 the town suffered his retributions for harbouring his enemies.
At the heart of Knaresborough is the River Nidd and the views from the Castle looking down onto the viaduct and river 
gorge are magnificent. There is a walk on either side of the River which has plenty of cafes on the town side and where recreational boats can be hired for a leisurely trip on the water. Walk some way along and you will come to the famous House in the Rock.
This was first built under Henry 1 in the 12th century and later extended by King John in the early 13th century
It has an exciting and chequered history being a witness to many battles and sieges.
The 4 knights who murdered Thomas A Beckett fled and took refuge here, but in 4 years all had died an evil death.
Edward11 gave the castle to his favourite Piers Gaveston who became so unpopular with the Barons that he was beheaded.
Richard 11 was imprisoned in the castle, before being taken to Pontefract castle where he met his cruel death.
It was a royalist stronghold in the English civil war and from where Prince Rupert (brother of Charles 1st) set out and lost the Battle of Marston Moor in 1644.
Later Oliver Cromwell came to Knaresborough and personally watched the destruction of the Castle as part of the plan to dismantle Royalist castles.
The Keep, Sallyport and old Courthouse (which houses a museum) are all open to the public and well worth a visit.
Knaresborough also boasts an historic market place (confirmed by royal charter in 1310),where a bustling market is held every Wednesday. Adjacent to the market place is the oldest chemist 
shop which records suggest has been used as a pharmacist’s shop since 1720s.It is now a restaurant and chocolate shop, but still famed for its lavender water.
This is one of Britain’s oldest tourist attractions with paying visitors in the 1630s.
Water drops over a limestone rock into a pool beside the Nidd, the high mineral content of which turns porous objects suspended in it to stone. It is also believed to have medicinal properties.
Mother Shipton lived some 500 years ago in the reign of Henry V111 and was famous for her prophesies. She was also famously ugly!
Well worth a visit.
