Raby Castle is a large fortified mansion house that has gradually developed into an impressive stately home. John, 3rd Baron Nevill, obtained a licence to crenellate in 1378, although this probably meant adding fortifications to an existing building. The castle evolved to become an extensive residence of towers and ranges of apartments built around a small courtyard. The largest tower is Clifford's Tower, 24.7 metres (81ft) tall, but the most interesting is the Kitchen Tower which still retains its original mediaeval form.