© Mapbox · © OpenStreetMap contributors · Boundary data © Historic England (NHLE)
Alton Castle is a medieval fortress situated on a prominent sandstone outcrop overlooking the River Churnet in Staffordshire. The castle was founded in the Norman period, with evidence of occupation and fortification dating from the 12th century onwards, though the surviving structures largely reflect later medieval phases of construction and modification. The site is characterised by its dramatic natural defensive position and the remains of stone walls and earthwork fortifications that cling to the steep rocky terrain. In later centuries the castle fell into decay, and its ruins now represent an important survival of medieval military architecture in the English Midlands, affording views across the surrounding landscape from its elevated vantage point.
Alton Castle is a scheduled monument protected by Historic England under reference 1013227. View the official record →
Alton Castle is a medieval fortress situated on a prominent sandstone outcrop overlooking the River Churnet in Staffordshire. It is designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument by Historic England (NHLE) under reference 1013227.
Alton Castle is a Scheduled Ancient Monument, legally protected by Historic England (NHLE) — the body responsible for designating and safeguarding heritage sites in England. The official designation reference is 1013227.
Several scheduled monuments lie within 10 km, including Round House (0.3 km), Croxden Abbey (2.7 km), Greatgate Whipping Post (2.9 km).
This page is just one thread. A full Aubrey report pulls together 15 strands of Alton Castle's history, each drawn from the record and mapped to the exact spot:
Every location is different. Not every section appears for every place, only what the historical record actually holds turns up in a report.
Alton Castle stands on Triassic Rocks (Undifferentiated), bedrock that formed in the Triassic. The rock here is sandstone and conglomerate, interbedded.