Remains of west curtain wall, Hartshill Castle, Castle Road, Hartshill

Image: © John Brightley Taken: 20 Sep 2010

Hartshill Castle is a 12th century earthwork motte and bailey fortress, founded by Hugh de Hardreshull. In 1330, John de Hardreshull founded the stone castle when enclosing the bailey, with an irregular polygonal curtain wall, pierced by cross-shaped loopholes. To the north-west, stands the circular motte, encased by a wide ditch and in the bailey are the remains of a contemporary stone-built chapel. In the 16th century, Michael and Edmund Parker founded a castellated, four-gabled timber-framed manor house, in the north east angle of the bailey but sadly the greater part of the house has collapsed. (From www.castleuk.net ) Fragmentary remains of a castle. C13. Coursed squared Hartshill granite, with sandstone dressings. Sections of curtain wall, rising to a maximum height of approximately 3 metres, have quoins and cross-loops. In the north-east corner is a large brick chimney containing 2 chamfered stone fireplaces, all that remains of a C16 house built within the walls. (From listing description)

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