Red Castle

The remains of Red Castle are a medieval castle, begun in 1227 for Henry de Audley, Sheriff of Shropshire and Staffordshire, with later 18th-century additions. The structure is built of regularly coursed and dressed red sandstone and is now roofless. The castle occupies a dramatic position on two narrow ridges of rock, separated by a deep ravine, with the upper and lower wards divided by a deep, rock-cut ditch.

Little survives beyond the Great Tower, a small turret at the north-east corner, and fragments of towers and curtain walls. The Great Tower still stands to a considerable height and has a circular plan with a chamfered plinth at its base and rectangular slits for windows. A deep well, hollowed from the sandstone, is located beneath the tower, with an adit created around 1780 providing access. The height of the tower was increased in the late 18th century, likely by Sir Rowland or Sir Richard Hill, to enhance visibility from Grotto Hill. It was subsequently reduced, and the standing remains appear largely medieval. A fragment of a small circular tower remains at the north-east corner. Towers formerly guarded the south-east and south-west angles of the lower ward, but one has largely disappeared, and the other is very fragmentary. Traces of curtain walls run along the ridges to the east and west, with a more substantial fragment spanning the ditch between the upper and lower wards on the west side. The Lion's Den is situated in a corresponding position on the east side. The site is heavily overgrown and has not been systematically investigated, making it difficult to differentiate between medieval fabric and 18th-century additions. The natural defensive features are very impressive and likely required little strengthening, except perhaps on the south side, and are comparable to those at Heighley Castle. The site is a Scheduled Ancient Monument.