much as usual.

Despite the statement made by Clark in his valuable book on "Mediaeval
Military Architecture in England" that "Pickering was held for the king in
the Parliamentary struggles," I can find no records to show that this was
so or that any fighting took place there during the Civil War. I have
searched many volumes of tracts relating to the period for any reference
to Pickering, but although Scarborough on the east and Helmsley on the
west are frequently mentioned, and details of the sieges and surrenders
given, yet I have fourd no statement concerning Pickering. I must,
however, mention that at least two iron cannon balls have been discovered
in recent times embedded in the ground beneath the western walls of the
castle.

In a Cromwellian survey found by Mr R.B. Turton, among the records of the
Duchy of Lancaster,[1] there is, however, a most valuable account of the
castle dated July 15th, 1651. It mentions damage done by the soldiers "in
the time of the late warrs," but it also tells us that much lead, wood and
iron was taken to Scarborough Castle by Sir Hugh Cholmley, which seems to
show conclusively that the place was not defended. The Cromwellian
soldiers were probably quartered in the somewhat ruined castle and used
what timber they could find for lighting their fires. The survey of 1651
is as follows:--

[Footnote 1: "North Riding Record Society's Publications," vol. 1, New
Series, p. 65.]

"The capital Messuage is scituate on the North side of Pickering Towne and
knowne by the name of Pickering Castle; the Entrance whereof lyeth on the
South through a Gatehouse which is somewhat (qu: decayed) in respect that
all the covering is taken away. The outside gate you enter into a Spatious
Court contayneing one Acre and three Roodes more or less; on which (on the
East side) close adjoyning to the said Gate standeth a ruynous howse
partly covered with Slate, in which were lately three severall Roomes
below Staires, and as many above. But in the time of the late warrs, all
the floares for the chambering have been pulled down by the Souldiers
insomuch the whole howse is ready to fall, there being hardly any thing
left to support the Roofe; The owt walles being partly built of Stone and
part of Timber and the sparrs which are fastned to the mayne wall of the
Castle do still remayne. Further eastward to the said howse along the wall
standeth a Towre knowne by the Name of Dyet Towre, in which there hath
beene t