The Moat at Scarborough Castle

Scarborough Castle stands on a massive promontory of rock that rises above the North Sea. It became one of the greatest royal fortresses in England and figured prominently in national events during the Middle Ages.

This painting depicts the moat leading up to the 12-century great tower, the centrepiece of the royal castle that was built by Henry II. Gordon Haslam’s chosen perspective emphasises the perilous position of the ruins, high on the headland overlooking the seaside town of Scarborough. Indeed, to this day the ruins of the castle remain perched 250 feet above sea level, surrounded by rocky cliffs.