Middleham Castle is a formidable Norman stone quadrangular fortress and the successor to William's Hill. Founded by Robert fitz Ranulph, the massive rectangular 12th century hall-keep, was originally encased by a low concentric curtain wall and a wide ditch. To the east, are traces of a large outer bailey, which now supports farm buildings and to the north, a wet ditch gives the layout of a 14th century bailey. In the 15th century, the Neville family and then Richard, duke of Gloucester, founded the palatial fortress, by raising the curtain wall and flanking towers and building an impressive range of lodgings around three sides of the courtyard. 5 miles south-west is Carlton Castle and 7 miles north-east is Bolton Castle.