Perched high on a headland that rises sheer-sided above the North Sea, Scarborough Castle occupies one of the most dramatic castle sites in the country. This natural fortress, inhabited for nearly 3000 years, was developed in the twelfth century as an important royal castle by Henry II. Its defences were strengthened by later monarchs, and Scarborough Castle played a prominent role in national events throughout the Middle Ages and Tudor times. A lengthy siege during the Civil War of the seventeenth century left the great tower of the castle as the magnificent shell which still dominates the skyline today. This guidebook traces the history of the castle and headland from earliest times to the present day, and includes a guided tour of the impressive remains.