 Berkhamsted was confiscated by Edward IV when he came to power during Wars of the Roses . In the late 15th century , the castle was occupied by his mother , Cecily Neville , the Duchess of York . By now the castle had become increasingly unfashionable , however , and was abandoned after her death in 1495 . By the time that antiquarian John Leland visited in the mid @-@ 16th century , it was in " much ruine " and was unsuitable for royal use . 
