Wilton Castle was originally a 12th century fortified manor house, which was finally abandoned after Civil War slighting. In 1335, John de Heslerton founded the stone castle, when he was granted a licence to crenellate. A pele tower was added to the range of buildings and the low platform was strengthen with a curtain wall and a large southern crescent shaped bailey. On three sides, the wide ditch with a counterscarp bank, still encases the large platform but to the north, part of the platform, with its ditch have been lost. Sadly the only masonry remains to be seen, are the foundations of the curtain wall. 4 miles west is Pickering Castle and 5 miles east is Brompton Castle.