Halton Castle

[7] At the outbreak of the Civil War the castle was garrisoned by the Royalists under the command of Captain Walter Primrose who had been appointed by Earl Rivers.

It was besieged by Roundhead Parliamentary forces under Sir William Brereton in 1643 and, after several weeks' fighting, the Royalists surrendered.

They regained control under Colonel Fenwick after the Parliamentarians abandoned the castle to focus on Royalist forces led by Prince Rupert.

There was a second siege in 1644 but, as the fortunes of the Royalists declined elsewhere, they withdrew from Halton and the Parliamentarians under Sir William Brereton re-occupied the castle.

[8] In 1646 a "Council of War" was held in Warrington where it was decided that the defences of the castles at Halton and Beeston should be dismantled.

Henry Sephton, a Liverpool architect and builder, and John Orme, a joiner from Prescot, were appointed to carry out the work.

During the Victorian era a sunken garden and two bowling greens were constructed within the castle enclosure.

It is leased from the Duchy by Halton Borough Council with support from The Norton Priory Museum Trust.

From its prominent position there are extensive views in all directions, including Lancashire, Cheshire, the Pennines, the hills of the Peak District and the mountains of North Wales.

Halton Castle in 1727. Engraving by the Buck brothers
Former courthouse of the castle, now The Castle public house