Medieval Castles: Chester Castle
1070 AD
Open to Visitors

Chester Castle is sited at the southwest extremity of the area bounded by the city walls and overlooking the River Dee. The castle was built in 1070 by Hugh d’Avranches, the second Earl of Chester and hosted visits from many powerful figures in the medieval period, including kings Edward I and Richard II.

The original structure would have been a Saxon motte-and-bailey castle with a wooden tower, which was replaced in the 12th century by a square stone tower, the Flag Tower. The walls of an outer bailey were built in the 13th century, during the reign of Henry III.

Prominent people held as prisoners in the crypt of the Agricola Tower were Richard II and Eleanor Cobham, and Andrew de Moray, hero of the Battle of Stirling Bridge. The Agricola Tower is a Grade I listed building. It is built in sandstone ashlar with a metal roof in three storeys. 

Visit Chester Castle

Facilities

Dogs Welcome
Giftshop
Weddings
Restrooms
Carpark Nearby
Picnic Area
Cafe
Some Steep Stairs
Engraving by Buck Brothers of Chester Castle in 1747.
Engraving by Buck Brothers of Chester Castle in 1747. Ormerod, George; Thomas Helsby. Source: Wikimedia Commons.
The oval motte of the castle with the half-moon tower visible at the left end.
The oval motte of the castle with the half-moon tower visible at the left end. Source: Wikimedia Commons.

Hours

Check the Castle’s website for 2020 opening hours.

Address

Grosvenor St,
Chester CH1 2DN

Phone

0370 333 1181 

Prices

Closed during the beginning of the year. Check the Castle’s website for 2020 prices.

Location

Similar Castles

Medieval Britain: Newark Castle. Image courtesy of Wikimedia.

Newark Castle

Newark Castle is a 12th century castle by Alexander, Bishop of Lincoln.

British Castles: Corfe Castle.

Corfe Castle

Corfe Castle is a ruined castle on the route between Wareham and Swanage.

More to see in North-West England

Medieval Cities and Towns: Chester

Chester

Chester is a walled city on the River Dee in Cheshire, England.

Books about Medieval Times