Chester Castle, Cheshire

Chester Castle stands on an eminence overlooking the River Dee. In the castle complex are the remaining parts of the medieval castle together with the neoclassical buildings designed by Thomas Harrison which were built between 1788 and 1813. Parts of the neoclassical buildings are used today as Crown Courts and as a military museum.

The castle was built in 1070 by Hugh Lupus, the first Earl of Chester. The original structure would have been a motte-and-bailey castle with a wooden tower. In the 12th century the wooden tower was replaced by a square stone tower and the stone gateway to the inner bailey was built. This is now known as the Agricola Tower

During the Civil War Chester was held by the Royalists. The castle was assaulted by Parliamentary forces a number of times. Together with the rest of the city, it was besieged between September 1645 and February 1646. Following the civil war the castle was used as a prison, a court and a tax office.In 1687 James II attended Mass in the chapel of St Mary de Castro. In 1696 Chester mint was established and was managed by Edmund Halley in a building adjacent to the Half Moon tower.

The complex is entered from Grosvenor Road through the Propylaeum, a Grade I listed building. Directly ahead is the former Shire Hall (also listed Grade I) which now houses the Crown Courts. To the left is the former barracks block which is now the home of the Cheshire Military Museum.

(Photographs courtesy of Trish & Chris Seymour).

Opening Times

The castle is only open for Guided Tours. Please Call 01829 260464 for details.

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Ticket Prices

Admission is free.

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Disabled Facilities

Disabled access (parts only).

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