Beeston Castle

Beeston Castle
Part of Cheshire
Beeston, England
A modern bridge provides access to the gateway of the inner ward.
Location map and quick summary Beeston Castle Coordinates 53°07′40″N 2°41′29″W / 53.1277°N 2.6913°W / 53.1277; -2.6913 Type Enclosure castle Height 9 metres (30 ft) Site information Owner English Heritage Condition Ruin Site history Built c. 1220 Built by Ranulf de Blondeville In use Open to public Materials Sandstone Demolished 1646 Events Welsh Wars English Civil War

Welsh Wars
English Civil War

Beeston Castle is a former Royal castle in Beeston, Cheshire, England (grid reference SJ537593), perched on a rocky sandstone crag 350 feet (107 m) above the Cheshire Plain. It was built in the 1220s by Ranulf de Blondeville, 6th Earl of Chester, (1170–1232), on his return from the Crusades. In 1237, Henry III took over the ownership of Beeston, and it was kept in good repair until the 16th century, when it was considered to be of no further military use, although it was pressed into service again in 1643, during the English Civil War. The castle was slighted (partly demolished) in 1646, in accordance with Cromwell's destruction order, to prevent its further use as a stronghold.

The castle is now in ruins. The walls of the outer bailey, along with the walls and gatehouse of the inner bailey, are separately recorded in the National Heritage List for England as designated Grade I listed buildings. The castle is also a Scheduled Ancient Monument, owned by English Heritage. It is rumoured that treasure belonging to Richard II lies undiscovered in the castle grounds, but the many searches that have been carried out have failed to find any trace of it. During the 18th century the site was used as a quarry.