were built on the western side of the River Dee. Most of these castles were motte-and-baileys and were originally of turf and timber construction, although they were sometimes later replaced by stone structures if a long-term castle was needed. Away from the borders, baronial castles were built in Cheshire and were a status symbol. The castles in Cheshire were built over a period of several centuries, with the earliest in 1070 and the latest in the 15th century. Most, 12 out of 20, were built between 1070 and the end of the 12th century. Of the three castles in Cheshire known to have been built after the 13th century, they are either tower houses or fortified manor houses; this type of structure was more important as a feudal residence than a military structure and reflects the national trend of castles after the 13th century being used as a symbol of authority rather than primarily military. Most of the castles are in a ruinous state, having been abandoned after they fulfilled their military purpose. The remains are often protected by law: 11 sites are Scheduled Monuments, and 5 are listed buildings. A Scheduled Ancient Monument is a "nationally important" archaeological site or historic building, given protection against unauthorised change. As well as the 20 known castles in Cheshire, historian Mike Salter in his 2001 gazetteer of the castles in Cheshire and Lancashire lists Mud Hill in Coddington () and Peel Hall near Manley () as possible sites of castles. List of castles Alternative names Some of the castles in the list have more than one name. Where this is the case, the alternative names are listed here. Also known as Delves Hall Also known as Castle Cob Also known as Buckingham Palace and Buckingham Castle Also known as Castle Hill Also known as The Mount, The Motte, and Moat Hill See also List of castles in England List of castles in Greater Manchester List of scheduled monuments in Cheshire (1066–1539) Mow Cop Castle – an 18th-century folly Peckforton Castle – a 19th-century house Welsh Marches References Bibliography Further reading History of Cheshire Castles Cheshire