Eccleshall Castle

Eccleshall Castle stands in the small town of Eccleshall in Staffordshire. It began as a 13th-century fortification granted to the medieval bishop of Lichfield. The first castle was replaced in 1305 by a larger structure built by Bishop Walter Langton, who was also Chancellor of England. The castle sits on the main road connecting Chester, Lichfield and Coventry, making it a useful diocesan base. It is recognised as a Scheduled Ancient Monument and a Grade II* listed building. The castle played a part in the Wars of the Roses when Queen Margaret of Anjou took refuge there after the Battle of Blore Heath in 1459. During the Civil War in 1643, Parliamentary forces under Sir William Brereton besieged the castle. Bishop Robert Wright died of a heart attack while sheltering inside. After the siege, the castle was slighted, but parts survived, including a nine-sided tower and medieval moat walls. Today the castle is a private home, owned by the Carter-Motley family for over a century. Though closed to the public, its gardens are sometimes opened for charity events and weddings. Earlier bishops, including William Lloyd and James Cornwallis, lived in the house, and Sir Walter Scott stayed there as a guest. The gatehouse was demolished and the moat drained in the 18th century, leaving the remaining ruins and later additions to tell the story of its past.