Beeston Castle, Beeston, Cheshire
An aerial reconstruction drawing of the castle in August 1265 after the Battle of Evesham. It shows the Inner Bailey with a timber palisade on its north side. It also shows the types of buildings that the garrison of soldiers stationed there might have had in the Outer Bailey and Prince Edward's men-at-arms camped in the grounds. Prince Edward later became Edward I. Beeston Castle was built by Ranulf de Blunderville, sixth Earl of Chester, in c1220. It became a royal castle in 1237. It was strengthened by Edward I (1272-1307) who had the towers raised and crenellated. It was noted as a ruin in 1543. It was then partially demolished in 1646 by the Royalists, during the Civil War. It then became a popular destination for visitors as a 'romantic ruin'. This property is now in the care of English Heritage (2010). Find out more
