English Heritage

1220sFirst Castle

Ranulf, 6th Earl of Chester, one of the greatest barons of England, starts to build the ‘Castle of the Rock’.

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1237Royal Castle

Henry III seizes Beeston.

1245Welsh Prison

Hostages from Wales are held at the castle. The outer defences are completed.

Major rebuilding works include three new towers and a massive bridge leading to the inner bailey's outer gate.

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1399Royal Treasure

According to legend, Richard II hides part of his treasure at Beeston Castle in the inner ward well, before being captured by the future Henry IV.

1400-1600The Castle Abandoned

The abandoned castle is left to fall into ruin.

February 1643Civil War

A garrison of 200-300 Parliamentarians occupies the castle.

13 December 1643Royalists Breach Beeston

In a midnight raid, Captain Sandford leads nine Royalists to take control of the inner ward. Parliamentary leader Steele dines with them and sends beer to their men before surrendering.

1644-5Royalist Surrender

The Royalist garrison is besieged by the Parliamentarians for nearly a year. Starved out, they finally surrender and Parliament demolishes most of the castle's defences.

1840sTourist Attraction

Lord Tollemache buys the estate and builds his own castle opposite Beeston. He promotes it as a tourist attraction and stocks the grounds with kangaroos and deer.

1945Annual Event

The first Beeston fête is held. It becomes an annual event on August Bank Holiday.

1959-84Beeston Today

The castle is taken into state care and becomes the site of major excavations before being taken over by English Heritage.

Learn more about the history of Beeston Castle