Remains of Chester Castle, Chester, Cheshire
The curtain wall to Chester Castle, shown here, was built in 1246. It was altered in the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries. The castle was originally an earthwork fortress of motte and bailey type. It was built in 1070 by William the Conqueror. The outer bailey was walled with stone in 1247-51 and a new castle chamber was added in 1246-7. The Great Hall was built in 1250-3. The outer gatehouse was built in 1292-3. This completed the major medieval works. The Castle served as the administrative centre of the Earldom throughout the medieval and later periods. It is also possible that it was built on the site of an earlier Saxon fortification. This property is now in the care of English Heritage (2010). Find out more
