Chester Castle is a Norman stone motte and bailey fortress, founded by Hugh de Avranches, earl of Chester. Sadly all that is left of this large and important castle, are fragments of the 12th century inner bailey curtain wall, the Flag Tower and the original inner bailey gateway, the Agricola Tower. In the 18th century the remaining medieval buildings and towers, were levelled, to make way for a new barrack block and the Assize County Courts, with the car park giving the layout of the outer bailey. From the southern corner of town wall, the castle commands the bridge over the River Dee. 4 miles south-west is Dodleston Castle and 6 miles south is Aldford Castle.