Henderskelfe and the Earldom of Carlisle
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The Howards of Castle Howard belong to what is known as the Carlisle branch of the family.
The earldom of Carlisle was enjoyed originally, it is said, by Ranulph de Meschines; it was next conferred on Andrew de Harcla who was subsequently found guilty of treason and executed.
Later, John Plantagenet, son of Henry IV., and his brother Richard, afterwards Richard III., were successive earls of Carlisle. The title was conferred on Sir James Hay in 1620, and inherited by his son, who died without issue rendering the title extinct.
It afterwards came to the Howards in the person of "Belted Will Howard," a renowned Border hero and the terror of the moss-troopers of his time.
The earliest name by which Castle Howard was known seems to have been Henderskelfe or Hinderskelfe, meaning Hundred Hill. The old castle of Henderskelfe was built in the reign of Edward III. by the baron of Greystock. Ralf, Lord Greystock, left an only daughter, Elizabeth, who married Thomas, Lord Dacre of Gilsland, in which family the property was continued till the marriage of Elizabeth, sister and co-heir of George, Lord Dacre, with Lord William Howard - "Belted Will." The ancient castle of Henderskelfe thus came into the possession of the Howards.
Next page: Lord William Howard - 'Belted Will'
