 The castle itself is a Grade II* listed building

The motte and bailey castle was built by one of the early Earls of Chester, about 1100, as a safe stop-over for their journeys to places such as Tutbury.It was rebuilt in 1220 by Ranulph de Blondeville, 4th Earl of Chester, who died in 1232.It then passed by marriage to William de Ferrers, 5th Earl of Derby.