History of Beeston Castle

The long history of human occupation at Beeston falls into four distinct phases: prehistoric, medieval, Civil War and picturesque.

The inner ward, at the heart of the castle, with its curtain wall, corner towers and gatehouse, in which the principal accommodation was to be found

Prehistory

The first defences date from prehistory: during the Bronze Age a bank was created at the base of the crag and during the Iron Age the defences developed into those of a substantial hillfort. This fort appears to have been abandoned at the end of the Iron Age.

The curtain wall survives to its full height in the south-eastern corner of the inner ward; the sockets in the wall held the beams that supported a defensive wooden gallery, called a 'hording'

Medieval

The site was re-used in the 1220s by Ranulf 6th Earl of Chester as the site for a new castle. The basic form of the castle, with upper and lower wards with gatehouses, and curtain walls with mural towers, was put in place at this time.

Building work continued during a subsequent period of royal ownership, and a major programme of renovation took place during the 14th century.

Civil War and Picturesque

From the 16th century the castle increasingly became ruinous, but it was re-fortified during the Civil War when it was the scene of considerable military activity.

After its surrender and partial demolition the ruins became appreciated for their picturesque quality. These proved so attractive that in the mid 19th century the castle was incorporated into the setting of the neighbouring Peckforton Castle.