The castle was probably built by Robert of Belleme in c1101-2. It is on the site of a Saxon burgh built by Ethelfleda in 912AD.
Belleme surrendered the castle to Henry I in 1102. It then fell into the hands of Hugh de Mortimer during King Stephen’s reign (1135-54).
It was surrendered to Henry II in 1155. By Henry VIII’s reign the castle was in ruins. The keep survived until 1646 when it was damaged by the Parliamentarians. This ruined keep is all that remains of the castle.
