Remains of Kilton Castle

 castle, ruins

In the medieval period Kilton was part of the Parish of Skelton which lies on the north-east fringe of the North York Moors. Skelton was the seat of the Brus family who were largely responsible for the plantations and clearances which gave the medieval landscape in the area its character.

The major local industry was milling, mills being noted at Kilton in 1323 and 1344. A large 19th century mill with its outbuildings still stands on Kilton Beck and may occupy much the same location as its medieval predecessor, although it is no longer a working mill.

The landscape of Kilton has seen at least three different re-organisations. Until the 12th century there would have been a pattern of scattered farmsteads. Then, following the Norman Conquest, a castle was constructed by the de Kilton family who were leased the land by the Bruses.

Next came the creation of a large village at Kilton, the earthworks of which are still visible. A farmstead was built at Stank House which also survives as earthworks. These settlements had shrunk and decayed by the end of the medieval period.

In the 18th century a large estate village was created at Kilton of which nothing survives, while in the 19th century, model farmsteads were built at Kilton and Stank House.

The ruined castle at Kilton stands on a promontory overlooking the steep valley of Kilton Beck. There is a precipitous drop to the south and access to the castle was via a narrow neck of land to the west.

The first documentary reference to Kilton Castle dates to 1265 when a chantry was granted to the chapel there. The castle itself seems to have had a period of major use of little more than 150 years. By 1344 it had, apparently, been abandoned.