Ellesmere Castle was an 11th-century motte-and-bailey fortification whose history reflects the power struggles between English and Welsh rulers for control of the Welsh Marches. Built by Roger de Montgomerie, the castle was confiscated by the Crown, granted to the Peverel family, then seized by a Welsh prince before coming under English control again, and was eventually granted to Dafydd ab Owain Gwynedd in 1177. Today, only the original earthworks remain, with the motte summit now housing a bowling green. 

Founding and early history

• Construction:The castle was likely built by Roger de Montgomerie, 1st Earl of Shrewsbury, or his son, shortly after the Norman Conquest of 1066. It was a typical motte-and-bailey structure, featuring a large earth mound (motte) and an adjoining fortified courtyard (bailey).
• Initial owners:The castle and manor were confiscated by the Crown in 1101 after a rebellion by Roger's son.
• Grant to Peverels:In 1138, King Henry I granted the manor and castle to William Peverel. 

Shifting control between English and Welsh rulers

• Welsh takeover:Peverel's descendants held the castle until the late 1140s, when it was seized by Madog ap Maredudd of Powys.
• Return to English crown:After Madog's death in 1160, the castle became the property of King Henry II.
• Grant to Dafydd ab Owain:In 1177, Henry II granted Ellesmere to the Welsh prince Dafydd ab Owain Gwynedd, who had married the King's half-sister.
• Further shifts:The castle continued to change hands, passing into the hands of Llywelyn the Great in 1205 before eventually falling to the English in 1282. 

Later history and current state

• Decline:The castle was abandoned at some point, though the exact date is unknown. By the mid-16th century, much of the stone structure was likely in ruins.
• Leisure use:In the early 18th century, the top of the motte was leveled to create a bowling green, which it remains today. The earthworks of the castle's motte are still visible, though later modifications have been made to the site.