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Concept
Halton Castle
Summary
Halton Castle is a castle in the village of Halton, part of the town of Runcorn, Cheshire, England. The castle is on the top of Halton Hill, a sandstone prominence overlooking the village. The original building, a motte-and-bailey castle began in 1071, was replaced with the current sandstone castle in the 13th century. Building alterations continued until at least 1609, when the structure is recorded as in disrepair. The castle is recorded in the National Heritage List for England as a designated Grade I listed building, and a scheduled ancient monument.
It was the seat of the Barons of Halton from the 11th century until the 14th century, then passed to the Duchy of Lancaster. It was besieged twice in the Civil War after which its structure deteriorated. In the 18th century a new courthouse was built on the site of the previous gatehouse. The castle lies in ruins apart from the courthouse which has been converted into a public house.
There is evidence that Halton Hill was a settlement in prehistoric times. Construction of the castle began in 1071 after Hugh d'Avranches, Earl of Chester, gave the land to Nigel of Cotentin, who built a wooden motte-and-bailey castle. This was replaced by a sandstone castle in the 13th century, which still stands. When the 15th baron, Henry Bolingbroke, became King Henry IV, the castle became the property of the Duchy of Lancaster.
In 1207 King John visited and donated £5 towards the upkeep of its chapel. Edward II visited the castle for three days in November 1323, during which time he also visited Norton Priory.
A new gate tower was built between 1450 and 1457. During the Tudor period it was primarily used as a prison, an administrative centre, and a court of law. In 1580–81 the castle was designated as a prison for Catholic recusants. According to a survey of the Royal Palaces in 1609, the castle had fallen into disrepair by then.
At the outbreak of the Civil War the castle was garrisoned by the Royalists under the command of Captain Walter Primrose who had been appointed by Earl Rivers.
Official source
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