Portal:Cheshire/Selected article/6
Halton Castle is a ruined castle situated on the top of Halton Hill, a sandstone prominence overlooking the former village of Halton, now part of the town of Runcorn. It is a Grade I listed building and a scheduled ancient monument.
The seat of the Barons of Halton from the 11th century until the 14th century, the castle passed to the Duchy of Lancaster when the 15th baron ascended the throne as King Henry IV. King Edward II visited in 1323. It was used as a prison, administrative centre and court of law during the Tudor period, but had already fallen into disrepair by the early 17th century. The castle was besieged twice during the Civil War, after which its structure deteriorated further. In the 18th century a new courthouse was built on the site of the previous gatehouse. The castle now lies in ruins apart from the courthouse which has been converted into a public house.