Its first recorded owner was Ralph Fitzmain who held it in 1154. In the late 14th century a pele tower was built. This was extended to include a great hall, and probably a tower-defended courtyard, by John Cartington in 1442 when he was granted a licence to crenellate his home.
During the Civil War the castle was a major Royalist centre. Sir Edward Widdrington raised 2,000 foot Royalist soldiers and 200 horse and withheld a Parliamentarysiege for over two hours in 1648, but the castle was eventually taken and slighted by the enemy.
Abandonment and conservation
Despite some demolition, the castle continued to be occupied until finally abandoned in the 1860s. In 1887 Lord Armstrong partially restored the castle in order to prevent its complete disintegration. Whilst ruinous, the castle is protected by its status as a Scheduled Ancient Monument and as a Grade I listed building.