[1] It was built in the period shortly after the Norman conquest of England.
[2] In the 12th century many charters refer to 'the vill of the castle of Rachedal'.
A charter dated c.1238 gave details of the castle standing on rising ground commanding the valley of the Roche and still known as Castle Hill.
[3] Buildings have been erected over the castle bailey and in the 19th century a house was built on the motte.
The defences consisted of an earth rampart and ditch.