Beeston Castle

The remains of the prehistoric hillfort are very hard to detect; the place they are most in evidence are either side of the gatehouse to the outer bailey. This is either side of the main route to the top of the mediaeval castle. Some of the medieaval walls were actually built using existing earthworks from the earlier fortification to aid defence. These earthworks are most in evidence when the foliage is low. This picture is taken on the north east side of the entrance, which is on the right when ascending. The ditch is considerably filled in, but the lip to the left, and steep embankment to the right leading to the later wall give some indication of the earlier defences.