eeston Castle's construction was started by Earl Ranulf, the sixth earl of Cheshire, in 1225 on the 500ft summit of the outcrop of rock. The location was originally the site of a settlement dating back to the Bronze Age. The climb to the top of the castle is not for the faint hearted, but the view from the top is well worth the effort. Beeston Castle is in the care of English Heritage and is open to the public.

Beeston Castle Key Facts
Categories	[Stone Keep]

Mini Timeline

1225		Beeston Castle begun
		returning from a spell crusading, Ranulf, the fifth Earl of Cheshire starts the construction of the castle at Beeston.
1237		Beeston Castle claimed by Henry
		With the death of the last male heir of the Earldom of Cheshire, the earldom and castle at Beeston are claimed by Henry III. The castle was too important not to be in the hands of the crown.
1264		Beeston Castle occupied
		During this year forces belonging to Simon de Montfort occupied and controlled the important Beeston Castle.1
1399		Treasure found at Beeston Castle
		In this year Beeson Castle, which had belonged to Richard II, was handed over to Henry IV. In the castle a hoard of Richard's treasure was found.
Early Modern Period (1500-1800) - Under Construction
1644		Beeston Castle under Royalist control
		A Royalist army controlled Beeston Castle during 1644 and held out against a siege by a Parliamentarian army.1
1645	Nov	Beeston falls to the Parliamentarians
		The siege at Beeson Castle came to an end when the commander of the Royalists led his men out. The castle was deliberately damaged in 1644 so that it could not be used again.1