List of castles in Greater Manchester

A motte-and-bailey castle is characterised by two elements: the motte is an artificial mound with a wooden stockade and stronghold on top, usually a stone keep or tower,[1] while the bailey is a defended enclosure adjacent to the motte, typically enclosed by a ditch and a bank topped by a timber palisade or stone wall.

[4] Four of Greater Manchester's castles are scheduled monuments: Buckton, Bury, Radcliffe Tower, and Watch Hill.

A scheduled monument is a "nationally important" archaeological site or historic building, given protection against unauthorised change.

[5] The purpose of a castle was not simply militaristic, but was also considered to be a stamp of authority over the population of an area and a status symbol.

Bury Castle and Radcliffe Tower followed the national trend in the 13th century; they would most likely have acted as the centre of the manor they served.