Alice de Bryene Alice de Bryene Alice de Bryene or Alice Brian (born 14th century; died 1413 or after) was an English noblewoman who owned estates in Suffolk and was present at the court of Richard II (reigned 1377–1399). She was the wife of Guy Brian the younger, daughter-in-law of Guy Brian the elder, and granddaughter of Alice de Bures. Alice de Bryene is frequently cited in social history texts because two of her household documents happen to survive. They give important insights on the activities of a noble family in the late 14th century. These documents are: a single leaf from a
Pontefract Castle France. Pontefract also has an "torre albarrana", a fortification almost unknown outside the Iberian Peninsular. Known as the Skillington Tower, the detached tower was attached to the north wall by a bridge. Its purpose was to increase the defender's range of flanking fire. Wakefield Council, who own the site, commissioned William Anelay Ltd to begin repairs on the castle in September 2015, but work stopped in November 2016 when Anelay went into administration. The Council then engaged Heritage Building & Conservation (North) Ltd, who began work on the site in March 2017. A new visitor centre and cafe were opened