Enjoy a Saturday Day School investigating an historical topic.
All courses take place in a classroom environment from 10am to 4pm BST or GMT.
To find out more details about the courses & to book your place click on the links below.
Autumn 2026
Saturday 12 September 2025: George Clifford – Tales of Bravery and Piracy!
(10am-4pm BST, 1 week, £85)
George Clifford, third earl of Cumberland, was one of the most flamboyant and extravagant courtiers at the court of Elizabeth I. As the Queen’s Champion he organised and jousted in sumptuous tournaments held in Elizabeth’s honour and yet the cost of maintaining his courtly position nearly bankrupted his family. In an attempt to relieve the increasing pressures and costs of courtly life at a time of rampant inflation, George Clifford resorted to piracy and privateering and in 1597 captured San Juan, the capital of Puerto Rico.
Discover the career of George Clifford, “Privateering Earl” and the harsh realities of Tudor politics and courtly life.
This course will take place in the historic setting of Skipton Castle.