By the mid-15th century, the castle was held by the Yorkist-aligned Stanley family. Thomas Stanley, who would become the 1st Earl of Derby, was one of the most influential nobles of the era, notorious for shifting his loyalties to secure his own position. His support proved decisive at the Battle of Bosworth Field in 1485, where he backed Henry Tudor against Richard III.
Although Holt Castle itself did not witness a major battle, its occupation by Yorkist and later Tudor supporters underscores its continued strategic value even at the end of the medieval period.
The English Civil War: A Final Chapter of Conflict
The last significant military chapter in Holt Castle’s history came during the English Civil War (1642–1651). Though this was well after the medieval period, it highlights how medieval fortresses remained militarily relevant into the early modern era.
During the war between Royalists (supporters of King Charles I) and Parliamentarians, Holt Castle was garrisoned for the king under Sir Richard Lloyd. In 1647, after a protracted siege by Parliamentarian forces under General Thomas Mytton, the castle surrendered. This marked the end of its active military life.
Following the Royalist defeat, Parliament ordered the “slighting” of many castles—deliberate damage to prevent their future use as fortresses. Holt was partially dismantled, with many of its stones later removed to build other local structures, contributing to the ruin we see today shutdown123