Stainborough Castle was built by the 1st Earl of Strafford between 1727 and 1730 on the site of an iron age hill fort and on the highest point of the estate, over 180m/600ft above sea level.

The stone masonry of Stainborough Castle gatehouse was in poor condition before the first phase of restoration started (2004-08), with many primary features having been lost. We consolidated the existing masonry and carried out structural repairs to prevent any further collapse. The repairs consisted of underpinning, re-pointing and the consolidation of stonework to cappings.

Access has been restored to the landscaped courtyard, through the entrance arch, which now has a viewing platform.

We have also installed a steel spiral staircase in one of the towers, which gives visitors dramatic views of the gardens, parkland and surrounding countryside.