[2] In early medieval times, the site would have been located along the River Dove routeway, and would also have overlooked a key crossing point.

[2] The Normans built a substantial motte-and-bailey castle on the site, and several theories have been put forward as to when and who did so.

[2] Henry built other castles at Tutbury and Duffield, making Pilsbury part of this set of 11th-century fortifications.

[2] An alternative suggestion is that it was built by Robert de Ferrers or his father, around the period known as The Anarchy for, while the de Ferrers supported Stephen of England, the neighbouring Earl of Chester supported Empress Matilda.

Alternatively, it may simply have become redundant as nearby Hartington grew in importance and the village of Pilsbury became increasingly depopulated.