MIDDLEHAM’S history is inextricably intertwined with horses – and horseracing. Situated in the heart of Wensleydale, the town nestles on the hillside between the River Cover and the River Ure, two miles from the busy market town of Leyburn, Middleham boasts magnificent castle ruins, towering over clusters of old grey stone cottages, fine old Georgian and Victorian houses and two cobbled market squares.

The little town is noted for three outstanding features: its connection with King Richard III, its magnificent castle (King Richard’s childhood home), with the largest keep in the North of England, and its thriving horseracing industry.

There has been a settlement since Roman times and Middleham is mentioned in the Domesday Book when its name was Medelai.

The present castle, once known as the Windsor of the North, was begun in 1190 by a descendant of William the Conqueror, but there is evidence of an earlier one, about 1086, built in the Norman motte-and-bailey style.

One of the earliest most influential inhabitants of the castle was Richard Neville, Earl of Warwick, also known as “The Kingmaker”, who during the Wars of the Roses held both Edward IV and Henry VI prisoner at Middleham. It was in 1462 that a young Richard, (then Duke of Gloucester) first went to Middleham to learn the skills of war in the care of Warwick. It was here that Richard met his future wife, Anne Neville (Warwick’s daughter), and they married in 1472. During his time at Middleham he increased its status when it became his political power base while he administered the North on behalf of his brother, King Edward IV.

Richard became King in 1483, much to the joy of the inhabitants of Middleham. His reign, however, was short and he suffered personal tragedies. His 11-year-old only son, Edward, died at Middleham Castle on April 9, 1484, followed the next year by his wife, who died, aged 28, on March 16.

Richard did not survive his wife long. He died, aged only 31, at the Battle of Bosworth in 1485, fighting valiantly to the bitter end. He was the last reigning English monarch to die in battle.

The growth of the racing industry in Georgian times saw the rebuilding of much of Middleham and the establishment of the first racehorse trainer, Isaac Cape, in about 1765, at Tupgill Stables.

Race meetings were held regularly on the High Moor during the 18th Century and, during this period, most of the town was rebuilt. Now, much of the town is protected as a conservation area and European funding has financed the re-cobbling of the squares.

The town enjoyed a truly glorious period during the mid-19th Century with Classic winners galore, including two Derbys, one Oaks and seven St Legers. The 20th Century was pretty impressive too, with trainer Matt Peacock saddling the town’s one and only Derby winner, Dante, in 1945. The legendary Captain Neville Crump saddled three Grand National winners, while Mark Johnston has rewritten Middleham’s history books and placed it at the centre of the racing world with a mass production line of winners.