It is thought that it was initially an earth-and-timber construction, possibly built by Robert de Alford in the mid-12th century, in the time of Henry II.

The purpose of the castle appears to have been as a defensive fortification against the hostile Welsh tribes.

There is some debate as to whether the castle, the lands and the title were hereditary or granted due to military service.

[3][2][4][5] Today fragments of the stonework around the bailey and significant earthworks survive, five miles from Chester where the tributary stream joins the River Dee at an angle.

The castle appears to have been triangular, shaped like a harp, with the keep in the northwestern corner of the triangle.