Ringworks were Anglo Saxon medieval fortifications consisting of some buildings surrounded a large ditch and surmounted by a timber palisade or a stone wall.

The castle was seized by King John in 1208, as the owner Hugh de Lisurs had failed to pay his debts.

Henry III issued an order of restraint to his knights on 15 May 1264, after Battle of Lewes, stating that he had come to terms with the barons so they must be peaceful during their stay.

An incident is recorded for the following year that men of Edward, the future king of England, who were housed at the castle attacked Biggin Manor and then crossed the river to loot cattle belonging to Oundle, however they were repulsed and a counterattack allowed the owners to recover many of their cattle.

[2][3][4] Today only some of the earthworks are visible on the high ground on a natural spur on the western side of Lower Benefield.