Pickering Castle is a motte-and-bailey fortification in Pickering, North Yorkshire, England.
The original structure was built by the Normans under William the Conqueror in 1069 – 1070. This early building included the large, central mound (the motte), the outer palisades (enclosing the bailey) and internal buildings, notably the keep on top of the motte. Ditches were also dug to make assault on the walls difficult. The main purpose of the castle at this time was to maintain control of the area after the harrying of the North.
In 1926, the Department of Works (English Heritage’s predecessor) took possession of the castle.