Strong girls in Skipton

After years of not visiting, I've now made two trips to Skipton Castle this year! The latest was a celebratory day out with my daughter and my two granddaughters, just prior to them going back to school. Despite all the rigmarole of having to book, wear face masks and use hand sanitiser at every turn, we all had a good time. Over 900 years old in parts, the castle is a sturdy old place, which is probably just as well since both the girls were in active mode, jumping and climbing and skipping about like little human whirlwinds. It remains in very good condition, largely due to the care of Lady Anne Clifford (1590-1676) after the English Civil War in the 1600s. She ensured it was rebuilt and reroofed after it was beseiged for three years by Cromwell's troops. She planted the yew tree in the central courtyard, which still stands proudly. 

This last photo was taken by my daughter, who was quicker with her phone to capture the cheeky little misses than I was with my camera. Perhaps Lady Anne - a legend in her own lifetime and a very proud and strong woman (see HERE for a short biography) - would be glad to see two strong girls playing around her tree.