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Beeston Castle The striking ruins of this 13th
century castle stand on a 500 foot high cliff of red sandstone, providing excellent
views of the surrounding countryside. The site was first used as a fortress in
the Bronze Age, and traces remain of that early hill fort. The castle was begun
in 1226 by Ranulf, Earl of Chester (1170-1232), in a quite peculiar (for England)
Saracen style. Ranulf was heavily influenced by the defenses he encountered in
Syria during his time on Crusade. In particular the castle bears heavy resemblance
to the fortress at Sahyoun. Ranulf died in 1232, long before the construction
of Beeston was complete. His son John inheirited Beeston, but John, too, died
soon after, and the castle passed to the crown. Henry III used Beeston as a garrison
and prison during his wars in Wales. A century later Edward II strengthened the
defenses. The castle is surrounded by two sets of perimiter defensive walls,
and the inner walll is pierced by a very imposing gateway. In the Civil War Beeston
was a royalist stronghold, and it held out against a 12-month Parliamentary siege
until starvation forced the garrison to concede defeat. In 1646 the defenses of
Beeston were intentionally demolished by Parliamentary order. BURIED
TREASURE AT BEESTON? Persistent legend tells that a vast
treasure was hidden at Beeston by Richard II. The story goes that Richard chose
Beeston to hide his personal fortune of “100,000 marks in gold coin and 100,000
marks in other precious objects” before he went on a trip to Ireland in 1399.
On his return he was captured and eventually killed by Henry Bolinbroke, Duke
of Lancaster (later Henry IV). Richard never had a chance to recover his treasure.
One story tells that the gold was hidden in passages running off the 370
foot deep castle well in the inner bailey. Attempts to probe the well using sophisticated
electronic measuring devices revealed at least 3 passages, but no treasure, though
investigators conjectured that a fourth passage remains to be investigated. A
special exhibit, "The Castle of the Rock", traces the history of the
Beeston fortress. Details
Beeston Castle
Beeston
Tarporley
Cheshire
England
CW6 9TX
Location: 11 m SE Chester off A49 or A41
Website: Beeston Castle
Email: customers@english-heritage.org.uk
Phone: 01829 260 464
map
OS SJ540 588
CHESTER
City
Guide | Roman
Amphitheatre | Chester
Cathedral | Eastgate
Clock | Roman
Garden | The
Rows | Tourism CHESHIRE
Cheshire Guide
| Beeston
Castle | Cholmondeley
Castle Garden | Adlington
Hall | Arley
Hall | Bramall
Hall | Capesthorne
Hall | Dunham
Massey | Gawsworth
| Lyme
Park | Little
Moreton Hall | Tatton
Park ©
David Ross and Britain Express
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Accommodation
| Cheshire |
Delamere Cottage
Tarporley
Self catering cottage
This Cottage offers 1 double room, 1 twin room, bathroom with shower over bath, lounge with small porch adjoining, dining room and kitchen with porch … more >>
Sleeps 4
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The Miller's house
Nomansheath
Self catering cottage
The Miller's House is on one level and comprises of, 3 bedrooms, one king-sized double ensuite, one double bedroom and one twin bedroom sharing the … more >>
Sleeps 6
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| Crewe (Hotel) |
Crewe Hall - A QHotel
Set in 35 acres of parkland, Crewe Hall is a majestic Jacobean stately building owned until recently by the Queen. The hotel has many historic features, including the finest staircase in the country, a private chapel and the ornate Green Library stateroom. The Ranulph fine dining restaurant is situated in … more >>
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| Weston (Hotel) |
De Vere Venue Wychwood Park Hotel
Ideally located between historic Chester and vibrant Manchester, De Vere Venue Wychwood Park Hotel has something to offer for everyone. The hotel enjoys stunning views over the Cheshire countryside in a location easily accessible from both the North and the South. A wide range of facilities are available for guests, … more >>
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