It was built in 1068 as a motte and bailey castle on a large five acre Roman site, and at some point a second motte was added, probably in the 12th century. Two gates, the walls and the 12th century stone keep are still standing. The courthouse was added in the 19th century. The castle was captured in the Civial War but was not slighted as it was mainly used as a prison which continued until the end of the 19th century.