[1] The name "Oldcastle" comes from the presence of an old fortification on a promontory into the valley of the Wych Brook now known as Castle Hill.

There was a limited excavation in August 1957 when a section was cut in the bottom of one of the northern ditches, and trial trenches dug in the platform on the summit.

It is possible that the site is an outpost of the motte and bailey castle at Malpas suggesting, therefore, an 11th or early 12th century date, however it could be much older.

The castle had been completely demolished by 1585 according to 'Magna Britannia' (itself citing William Webb's "King's Vale Royal")[2] The area is a scheduled monument.

In August 1644 Oldcastle Heath was the scene of a battle during the English Civil War between the Parliamentary forces out of Nantwich and Royalists who had come south from Lancashire.