High on a cliff overlooking the River Severn, this ideal defensive site was first a Saxon Burgh. Rather surprisingly, it was not until 1101, when Robert de Belleme, 2nd Earl of Shrewsbury moved his household here from Quatford Castle, that Bridgnorth Castle was built.

Not long after this, a three month siege ensued which resulted in King Henry I capturing the castle in 1102. To facilitate the siege, Henry constructed a 'siege castle' - a large earthwork from which besieging forces could fire catapults and other weapons - to the south west, at a place now referred to as Pan Pudding Hill. The earthworks, still in evidence today, would be re-used by future besieging forces.

Some years later, Bridgnorth Castle was taken by Hugh de Mortimer at a time of civil unrest between King Stephen and his cousin Matilda (known as The Anarchy). He was dislodged following another successful siege by Henry II in 1155.

However, when Edward I subjected Wales to English rule in the late 13th century, the strategic importance of Bridgnorth Castle diminished and it was simply left to fall into a state of dereliction. Throughout the next 350 years, the history of the site remained largely uneventful, with the exception of it falling to besieging forces for a third time during the Baron's revolt of 1321.

With the outbreak of the English civil war the town of Bridgnorth had been garrisoned by royalist forces in 1642. It would only be a matter of time before this led to conflict with Cromwell's parliamentarian army. The situation came to a head in 1646 and, as Royalist forces were forced to retreat back towards the castle, they burned much of the town in their wake. After 26 days, Bridgnorth Castle eventually fell to a fourth successful siege and, in 1647 the order was given by Oliver Cromwell for the castle to be slighted (blown up).

Prior to the destruction of Bridgnorth Castle, it comprised two walled baileys, as well as a square tower keep built by Henry II c1170. A barbican is also believed to have been erected at a later date.

The only surviving part of Bridgnorth Castle today is a substantial section of the aforementioned keep, as much of the demolished stone was quarried away to repair the severely damaged town. In essence, only two of the four sides remain in tact and the entire structure leans at an interesting angle of 17 degrees, considerably more than the leaning tower of Pisa.! The castle ruins now form the centrepiece of a castle walk and gardens.