List of castles in Cheshire

The most common is the motte-and-bailey[4] which consists of a motte (a mound) – surmounted by a keep or tower – connected to a bailey, an outer enclosure where the barracks and workshops were located.

A ringwork may have been built rather than a motte-and-bailey because the soil was too thin to provide a proper motte or simply because of the preference of the builder.

[9] Due to its border with Wales, Cheshire played an important role in defending England against the Welsh.

Castles along the border were constructed when the Norman invasion of Wales was slowed by Welsh opposition; when conquest was swift, there was less need for fortifications.

Of the three castles in Cheshire known to have been built after the 13th century, they are either tower houses or fortified manor houses; this type of structure was more important as a feudal residence than a military structure and reflects the national trend of castles after the 13th century being used as a symbol of authority rather than primarily military.

A Scheduled Ancient Monument is a "nationally important" archaeological site or historic building, given protection against unauthorised change.