Great Orme grave Donald Boyd-Ball

Jun 19, 2018

Turncoat's castle in Holt


The ruined Holt Castle is a scene of riverside tranquillity today, but in the late 15th century its owner, Sir WIlliam Stanley, was caught up in the Wars of the Roses. King Richard III took Stanley's son hostage to ensure ...

the father's loyalty, yet Stanley refused to help the king at the Battle of Bosworth in 1485. The enraged monarch ordered the son's execution but his command wasn't followed. The king himself was killed and Henry Tudor took his place. Ten years later, Stanley switched allegiance again. This time he backed the wrong side and was executed. For more about him and the castle's colourful history, scan the HistoryPoints QR codes on the interpretation board at the north-west corner of the castle site. Or click here