Pilsbury Castle is an 11th century earthwork motte and baileys fortress, founded by Henry de Ferrers. The large flat-topped motte, is encased by a wide ditch and the eastern bailey, is defended by a steep-sided limestone reef, which is crowned by an unusual high outcrop and the foundations of a narrow, rubble wall. The southern bailey which has been damaged by ploughing, is defended by a low encasing rampart and ditch. Standing against the flood plain of the River Dove, the castle had probably been abandoned, by the end of the 12th century. 8 miles north-east Bakewell Castle and 10 miles east is Haddon Hall.