Mow Cop Castle

Mow Cop Castle is a stone structure standing on a ridge that marks the boundary between Cheshire and Staffordshire, featuring a round tower with medieval fortress design. The building was conceived as a decorative summerhouse and showcases the 18th-century fashion for ornamental architecture placed on elevated sites.

Randle Wilbraham commissioned local stonemasons John and Ralph Harding in 1754 to build this decorative summerhouse near his Rode Hall estate. The structure was originally built with a cone-shaped roof that functioned as a beacon, reflecting the landscape design fashion of that period.

The hill served as a gathering place for Methodist communities, particularly after the first Primitive Methodist camp meeting took place here in 1807. People traveled from across the region to participate in this important religious tradition.

The site is managed by the National Trust, with restricted access to the immediate area around the building due to safety considerations. Check current access conditions before visiting, as restrictions may vary depending on weather and ongoing maintenance work.

A carved stone face adorns the doorway of this former two-story building, giving the structure an unusually personal character. This artistic touch was rare on summerhouses of the era and makes this a distinctive example of decorative architecture.