Shotwick Castle

Shotwick Castle is a Norman motte-and-bailey fortification in Shotwick Park that sits on a steep escarpment above the River Dee. The mound has a hexagonal shape at its summit, and beneath the turf lie the buried remains of a stone keep.

Hugh Lupus, Earl of Chester, built the fortification in 1093 to defend the border against Wales. It remained an important military position until peace with Wales was secured in 1281.

The shift from military stronghold to royal hunting ground after 1327 shows how noble purposes changed over time. People began to see the location as a retreat for sport rather than as a defensive need.

The site is difficult to reach and sits within private grounds with limited access. Visitors should inquire beforehand, as the remains blend naturally into the landscape and can be easy to miss.

Two steep watercourses flank the mound on its north and south sides and helped protect it. These channels were flooded by the river during high tides, creating an extra water barrier for defense.

Location: Shotwick Park

Location: Saughall and Shotwick Park

Inception: 1093

GPS coordinates: 53.22720,-2.97608

Latest update: December 8, 2025 21:07